“The Child Advocacy Center is grateful to the entire Cannon and Rutherford Counties legislative delegations for unanimously supporting House Bill 641 and Senate Bill 450,” announced Child Advocacy Center director Sharon De Boer. “We would like to extend special thanks to our local legislators who championed this bill and signed on as cosponsors: Sen. Shane Reeves, Sen. Dawn White, Rep. Michael Hale, Rep. Charlie Baum, Rep. Tim Rudd, and Rep. Bryan Terry.”
“During Child Abuse Prevention Month, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Tennessee (CACTN) proudly recognize and thank the One Hundred Fourteenth Tennessee General Assembly for passing unprecedented funding to strengthen the state’s response to child abuse,” stated CACTN Executive Director Stephen Woerner.
“This landmark funding shows that Tennessee’s leaders are committed to standing with our most vulnerable children,” continued Woerner, “By prioritizing Children’s Advocacy Centers, the General Assembly is making an investment in hope, healing, and justice for thousands of children in Tennessee.”
In a historic move, lawmakers have approved a significant increase in funding dedicated to Children’s Advocacy Centers across the state. This investment will directly support victims of child abuse. The services that are supported in Cannon and Rutherford Counties include legally defensible forensic interviews of child victims, criminal court testimony, crisis counseling and case management for families, assistance navigating the complex criminal justice system, services for drug endangered children, and Darkness to Light child sexual abuse prevention training.
We are especially grateful to the members of the Senate and House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee for their leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to protecting children. Their efforts were instrumental in passing this bill and making this funding a reality.
In April, communities across the state have been raising awareness about child abuse prevention. The General Assembly’s action highlights the importance of investing in early intervention and coordinated services that protect children, hold offenders accountable, and strengthen families.
Children’s Advocacy Centers serve as a model of effective public-private partnerships, working closely with Department of Children’s Services, law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, Our Kids Center, and mental health professionals to ensure perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes and every child has an opportunity to heal and thrive.
“We are deeply grateful to every legislator who championed this funding and unanimously voted for the legislation,” De Boer concluded. “Together, we are making Cannon and Rutherford Counties a safer, stronger place for children.”
For more information about the Cannon County Child Advocacy Center and how you can help prevent child abuse, call (615) 563-9915 or visit cannoncac.org or the Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County at (615) 867-9000 or cacrutherford.org.
About The Savannah Grace Copeland Act
This bill is named in honor of Savannah Grace Copeland, a middle school student from Knox County who was tragically killed by another student. That student had a history of experiencing neglect, highlighting the broader issue of child-on-child violence as a serious concern alongside adult-on-child abuse.
The bill reflects a legislative commitment to strengthening early intervention efforts in cases of child abuse and neglect. It emphasizes the role of Child Advocacy Centers in identifying, interrupting, and addressing patterns of abuse and neglect, with the goal of preventing future tragedies similar to Savannah’s.