The Cheyenne City Council approved an agreement Nov. 24 with Safe Harbor, the local children’s advocacy center, to fund forensic interviews and related services for children affected by abuse.

Lynn Heiler, Safe Harbor director, told the council the center has operated for 26 years and provides forensic interviewing, victim advocacy and training so that children do not need to repeat traumatic interviews to multiple agencies. Heiler described forensic interviews as central to investigations and prosecutions and said the center also plans to expand training for patrol officers.

Finance Committee recommended approval of an amount not to exceed $20,000 to cover the forensic interviews the center conducts for the Cheyenne Police Department. Councilmembers praised the longtime partnership and the focus on vulnerable populations; the contract passed by voice vote.

Council members said the city’s support helps preserve best practices in child-abuse investigations and supports coordination among law enforcement, victim services and prosecutors.