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Board approves $16,200 to formalize partnership with Chesterfield's Davis Child Advocacy Center
Summary
Sheriff's office, Commonwealth's Attorney and DSS asked the board to fund a formal partnership with the Davis Child Advocacy Center to provide specialized forensic interviews and trauma‑informed services; the board voted to appropriate $16,200 for approximately 15 interviews at a discounted $1,080 per case.
The Amelia County Board of Supervisors voted to appropriate $16,200 to establish a formal partnership with the Davis Child Advocacy Center in Chesterfield County, after sheriff’s office, Commonwealth's Attorney and social‑services representatives described the center’s forensic‑interviewing and mental‑health services.
Presenters told the board CAC personnel conduct specialized forensic interviews in a neutral environment, reducing repeated interviews for child victims and improving the quality of investigative information. Commonwealth’s Attorney staff said CAC interviews have helped prosecutors prepare cases, provide expert witnesses and enable children to testify without being placed beside alleged offenders. Audra Morris, director of Social Services, said the CAC reduces system trauma and provides services DSS cannot provide locally.
Staff presented cost estimates showing an average CAC case costs about $2,160; Chesterfield offered the county a 50% rate ($1,080 per interview). Based on previous usage, staff proposed budgeting for 15 interviews (15×$1,080 = $16,200). The sheriff’s office indicated it could consolidate invoicing for county payment. A supervisor moved to appropriate the full $16,200 and the motion carried by voice/hand vote.
The board and presenters said the arrangement would allow Amelia County to continue using professional forensic‑interview services without transporting children to Lynchburg or Richmond and would include MDT coordination and training for local personnel.
What’s next: Staff will process the appropriation and coordinate contracting/invoicing with the sheriff’s office and the Davis Child Advocacy Center; agencies will track usage and report future budget needs to the board.
