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Criminal Injuries Compensation Board
DO Time Program
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Sex Offender's Registry
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Child Advocacy
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Community Response to Child Abuse

No single agency can meet all the needs of maltreated children and their families. By working together and combining the efforts of each of our agencies, the Wicomico Child Advocacy Center is able to provide:

  • more immediate follow-up to child abuse reports
  • more efficient medical and mental health referrals
  • a reduction in the number of child victim interviews
  • an increase in successful prosecutions
  • consistent support for child victims and their families

Providing the Following Services:

  • 24 hour response to reports of child maltreatment
  • Forensic interviews of victims, reducing the overall number of interviews needed
  • Comprehensive assessment and investigation of child neglect, physical
    abuse, sexual abuse, and mental abuse reports
  • Immediate referrals to counseling for victims and non-offending family members,
    helping the healing process begin
  • Case management and referrals to community resources, helping families receive
    needed services
  • Prosecution of offenders when warranted by the evidence
  • Multidisciplinary coordination and sharing of information, to better protect the
    child and to hold the offender accountable
  • Community education about child abuse

Child Abuse is a Crime

Anyone who suspects that a child is being harmed or neglected should call (410) 677-6780, Ext. 128 or 129. The law provides immunity from any civil liability or criminal penalty when a report is made in good faith.

Did You Know?

  • In 2002, Wicomico County averaged 47.8 reports of child abuse per 1,000 children-
    twice that of Maryland's average 23.8 reports.
  • The WCAC investigates about 1,000 cases of child abuse each year - 40% are cases of neglect, 32% physical abuse, 14% sexual abuse, 9% leaving children unattended, 1% mental injury, and 5% other.
  • Children most at risk of being maltreated are younger children. 37% of our victims are below the age of 7 and 36% are 7-12 years of age.
  • The severity of a child abuse injury runs inversely to age with the most fatalities and severe injuries being dealt to infants and toddlers.
  • 80% of all juveniles incarcerated have been a victim of child abuse.

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