Treetop Child Advocacy Center seeks $25,000 from Lake County to sustain forensic interviews and mobile services

Aubrey Seall, representing Treetop Child Advocacy Center, asked the Lake County Board of County Commissioners for $25,000 in general operating support to sustain forensic interviews, expand a mobile forensic interview pilot, and fund prevention work in schools and libraries.

Seall described the center’s trauma‑informed forensic interview process — conducted in a non‑police setting, videotaped to avoid repeated retelling — and said the organization has stabilized under recent leadership after turnover. She said federal funding from VOCA has decreased, local funding partners are uncertain, and the center needs reserves to remain operational and responsive. The presenter disclosed personal experience as a survivor to explain the importance of child‑centered forensic interviews.

Commissioners asked about reserve levels and funding sources; Seall said her executive director (not present) would be better placed to answer finance questions and she promised to email more detailed budget and case data after the meeting. The commission discussed the importance of prevention and the center’s role supporting victim services and follow‑up assistance such as Medicaid enrollment and crime‑victim assistance benefits.

No vote occurred; commissioners expressed support and invited follow‑up details. The presenter reported the grant application listed $25,000 as the outreach request but indicated the organization would accept other support levels.