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County approves lease allowing satellite Child Advocacy Center services in Ashe County
Summary
Commissioners approved a lease for a satellite Child Advocacy Center operated by South Mountain Children's Home, allowing forensic interviews, medical exams and family advocacy to be offered locally at no charge.
Ashe County commissioners approved a lease allowing South Mountain Children’s Home and its Child Advocacy Center (CAC) to operate a satellite office in the county, a change staff and presenters said will reduce trauma for child victims and help local law enforcement.
County staff introduced a lease in the meeting packet and supporters representing the CAC, the sheriff’s office and county social services described the center’s services. Presenters said the CAC provides recorded forensic interviews, child medical evaluations by a SANE nurse, and family advocacy services at no charge to families.
A CAC representative described the center as “a neutral place, so they don't have to go to the sheriff's office or DSS,” adding that forensic interviews are recorded “so that helps minimize the trauma to children so they don't have to repeat their stories over and over.” Beth Browning, identified in the meeting as the SANE nurse, was noted as providing child medical exams and on-site evidence-collection capability when needed.
Sheriff Howell praised having a local site, saying it “keeps my detectives in the county” and is closer and safer for families than traveling to regional centers. County social-services staff said the lease mirrors the prior arrangement and includes updated dates; commissioners said they were grateful the building and maintenance improvements will allow the CAC to remain in place.
The board moved to approve the lease as presented and the motion passed without recorded roll-call detail in the transcript. Commissioners thanked CAC staff and community partners for bringing services locally and noted staff will continue coordinating maintenance and facility support.
Presenters also shared utilization figures: the satellite office has been physically present in Ashe County roughly a year and staff estimate the CAC sees between about 5 and 15 children a month and between 60 and 100 clients per year, depending on demand and the school year cycle. The board approved the lease as presented.
