[2019 GRATITUDE REPORT]

GRIT HEART RELATIONSHIPS EXCELLENCE How We Help Defining Our Core Values, Planning for Our Future

FORENSIC INTERVIEWERS AND ANTI-TRAFFICKING AND EXPLOITATION Back in 2015, staff and board members met to set BCAC’s five-year strategic plan FAMILY ADVOCATES BCAC’s anti-trafficking & exploitation to take us through 2020. One part of this process was to create a statement about Our forensic interviewers meet one-on- team provides a comprehensive what a bold future would look like for BCAC, and we came up with a vision statement: one with children when they are ready response, from prevention to aftercare, In 2020, BCAC will be a nationally recognized leader in cutting edge innovation to talk, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. to individuals who have been trafficked, and best practices to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse, trauma, and Interviewers are specially trained social used in child sexual abuse images and other Adverse Childhood Experiences. workers and their conversations are victimized through internet crimes. Reflecting back on our planning process four years ago, I can say that BCAC has conducted in a trauma-sensitive made many steps toward our bold future. We said that we wanted to add an onsite environment. After the interview, the COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND mental health program; we did. We said we wanted to grow our family advocate family’s main point of contact is a family EDUCATION program and develop more supports for families; we did. We said we wanted to Our Mission advocate. BCAC’s family advocates are We strive to get ahead of abuse before strengthen our legislative strategies to bolster support for laws that protect children; guides on a family’s path to healing; it happens. To best prepare professionals For over 30 years, Child we did. We said that we wanted to create stronger community partnerships; we did. they refer family members to social and community members in Baltimore Abuse Center has provided victims services, set up medical and other and beyond to identify and report This past year, we sat down as a team to define our core values. What is it that of child sexual abuse, trauma and other appointments, provide court support, suspected abuse, BCAC hosts educational makes BCAC continue to strive toward our bold future? Qualities that exemplified Adverse Childhood Experiences in and even do house calls. Family presentations and workshops designed to our team and our approach: Grit, Heart, Relationships, and Excellence. GRIT, Baltimore — and their non-offending advocates spearhead various support better inform professionals, youth-serving exemplified by our forensic interviewers patiently establishing trust with a child caretakers — with comprehensive groups and provide material needs such organizations and community groups who has experienced sexual abuse until they feel comfortable enough to talk. forensic interviews, medical treatment as groceries, diapers, transportation in the prevention, identification and HEART, embodied by our child development team who engage children in games and mental health treatment with a goal and emergency housing. reporting of suspected abuse. We work Adam Rosenberg and crafts to make them feel welcome and safe in a trauma-informed, child-centered of preventing future trauma. BCAC is a with youth-serving organizations to Executive Director, BCAC environment. RELATIONSHIPS, demonstrated by many partnerships we have nonprofit subsidiary of LifeBridge Health. MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH help them assess their strengths and built not just in the city but across the state and country, which allow our impact SERVICES vulnerabilities in their child protection to go well beyond Baltimore. And EXCELLENCE, for always asking ourselves: Our Core Values Medical examinations play an policies and procedures. We also run what more can we do, and how can we do it better? important role in the investigative programs like DIVAS (Developing Inner As one of the first child advocacy One answer to this question came to fruition in January 2019, when BCAC became process, providing law enforcement Values to Acquire Success) to help young centers in the nation, our team at BCAC a subsidiary of LifeBridge Health. We are thrilled to be expanding our successful and prosecution with physical evidence people find support and prevent past strives to help as many children and those strategic partnership with one of Baltimore’s preeminent healthcare communities. of sexual abuse. Additionally, medical traumas from defining their futures. impacted by trauma as we can. We are This alliance with LifeBridge Health helps meet some of our final goals in our strategic exams can be helpful in cases where guided by our core values, approaching ADVOCACY plan about our future, enabling BCAC to expand our presence in the community and physical signs of abuse indicate that every challenge and every child with Grit, create a greater impact on child protection. This unique new partnership creates the child is at increased risk even if One law can change thousands of lives. Heart, Relationships, and Excellence. sustainability for BCAC programs while empowering us to explore how our nationally he or she did not disclose abuse during We advocate for all of ’s children In doing so, we aim to provide the most accredited program can maximize your investment. We will tap into LifeBridge the forensic interview. Our team also through our diligent legislative efforts trauma-informed and high quality Health’s resources and public health commitment while providing expertise and provides medical exams for kids in the Maryland General Assembly, experience possible. professional staff to meet the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences and needs entering foster care. BCAC added our Baltimore City Government and U.S. Todd Pattison, MaxSent Chair, Advisory Board of child victims of trauma and violence in and around Greater Baltimore. sixth clinician this year to its Mental Congress. Our advocacy often plays Health Clinic to be able to provide a strong role in convincing officials that With Grit, Heart, Relationships, Excellence — and you — we look forward to this both short and long term treatment. education, treatment and the health of coming year and we continue to look boldly toward a future where we can make an Approaches used include: trauma- the 1,800 or more children BCAC sees even greater impact treating and preventing abuse, trauma and violence for children focused cognitive behavioral therapy, annually is reliant on their decisions. and families. Stay tuned for what comes next. play therapy, art therapy, expressive The threat of indifference and ignorance therapies, and holistic therapy. to these issues is too great. Our presence With gratitude, Todd and Adam in Annapolis and within communities has enabled BCAC to champion many legislative and policy victories.

2 BALTIMORE CHILD ABUSE CENTER 2019 GRATITUDE REPORT 3 [FY19 STATISTICS]

1,875 clients and families supported by BCAC

639 784 1,315 forensic interviews medical exams mental health conducted conducted sessions conducted Holding mandated reporters accountable

After more than a decade of opposition and defeat in the Maryland General Assembly, in 2019 we finally saw successful enactment of the mandatory 4,147 22 clients reporter penalties act, which follows family advocacy received bilingual the lead of 48 other states and provides interactions services criminal penalties for professionals and administrators (such as those in the Larry Nassar and Jerry Sandusky cases) who willfully fail to report known child abuse. Senator Susan Lee (D-Montgomery) and Delegate Vanessa Bill signing for the Expanding Access to Child Advocacy Centers bill. 173 services 157 services Atterbeary (D-Howard) championed provided to trafficking victims provided to child witnesses this bill on its landmark passage and victims of technology- to domestic violence, homicide LEGISLATIVE VICTORIES to help address child abuse and trauma. facilitated crimes and other forms of violence through the General Assembly. This past session, BCAC took the lead on Drawing in part on similar legislation building coalitions to pass two important around the country and on nationally bills and worked with coalition partners recognized accreditation standards, on several others. Here are some of our BCAC worked closely with members of main successes: the Maryland Children’s Alliance to draft and pass this bill. Senator Susan Lee 7,602 925 (D-Montgomery), freshman Delegate total services provided to clients hours volunteered Expanding access to children’s Emily Shetty (D-Montgomery) and their and their families at BCAC by 95 individuals advocacy centers staff were the legislative champions of Passing into law on its very first attempt, this work. Other advocates to prevent the Expanding Access to Child Advocacy child abuse and sexual abuse such as the Centers Act helps make sure that all State Council on Child Abuse and Neglect Maryland children have access to an Over and the Coalition to Protect Maryland’s professionals trained to identify, accredited children’s advocacy center BCAC Advocacy Day in Annapolis. 8,000 Children lent support to this bill. report, and prevent abuse, resulting in GRIT 30,000 children being safer

4 BALTIMORE CHILD ABUSE CENTER 2019 GRATITUDE REPORT 5 Thank you to our volunteers who donated a total of 925 hours of their time and talents.

IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING AT BCAC, CONTACT NICOLE AT [email protected]

positive and truly enjoyable to work art, and expressive therapies, EMDR, with; that’s what makes me keep coming CFTSI and TF-CBT to best help back. Just knowing what I do can make children and caregivers. a small difference in the kids’ lives Every child who experiences a makes it all worth it.” traumatic event can heal. At BCAC, In April 2019, we began hosting a children can play through their wounds volunteer Day of Service one Saturday and heal at their own pace. Parents and every month. Volunteers participate in families are supported in the process arts and craft preparations for the kids, and encouraged to engage in their own help with facility improvements, and treatment or their child’s treatment. complete projects, all to put a smile Volunteer Coordinator Nicole Reed with Manny, on the faces of the children and families BCAC facility dog. who come to BCAC. One recent project sessions to children at no cost built a play grocery store for the kids, whatsoever to the family. The addition with play food, treats and snacks. It was Volunteers participate in a Day of Service at BCAC. of onsite mental health services has an instant favorite for the children when increased the number of children they arrived. This form of play therapy helped at BCAC by 130%. helps children who are very withdrawn VOLUNTEERS open up to our therapists. We wouldn’t BCAC provides onsite therapy In 2019, volunteer community members During the week, you can always see have been able to see those successes for children and families who have dramatically increased the support trained volunteers in the family room if it wasn’t for our volunteers who experienced a traumatic event or BCAC provides to children and with kids before they go in for a forensic dedicated their time. incident. The mental health team also caregivers with an extra set of hands interview, therapy session or medical treats chronic runaway and missing to help our child development team, exam. Instead of fear, you can see and youth to get to the root causes of their MENTAL HEALTH TEAM EXPANDS donations for our operation resource hear laughter and smiles as volunteers trauma and work to divert them from room, facilities clean up projects and work with our team to make children feel In 2017, BCAC launched its Mental Health greater risks such as trafficking and legislative advocacy. Thank you to at ease. Volunteer Lydia Roderick says, Clinic staffed by two full-time therapists. exploitation. All therapy is done by our our 95 volunteers who donated a “I chose to volunteer at BCAC because Since then, we have expanded to six licensed professionals who have specific total of 925 hours of their time and I have a passion for helping others and full-time therapists and two care training in trauma-informed care. talents this fiscal year! working with children. Everyone is so coordinators. In Fiscal Year 2019, BCAC BCAC’s mental health team uses a therapists provided 1,315 mental health variety of approaches, including play, Therapy obstacle course. HEART

6 BALTIMORE CHILD ABUSE CENTER 2019 GRATITUDE REPORT 7 We thank survivors for their strength and courage, and for impacting the lives of thousands.

important to talk about. When I was ANNUAL COMMUNITY GATHERING PSA CAMPAIGNS TO PROTECT KIDS

younger and being abused, I didn’t This past spring, BCAC partnered with realize it was sexual abuse. I was Storyfarm, a video production agency always warned about ‘stranger danger,’ in Baltimore, and the Governor’s Office but it’s not always a creepy man who of Crime Control and Prevention on two is the abuser. It can really be anyone, important PSA campaigns. “Think Before and we need to change the dialogue. You Send” addresses teen sexting and It didn’t occur to me at the time that digital safety, and “You Can Be The Special guest speaker someone I trusted could be hurting me.” Difference” brings awareness to child Aly Raisman, Olympic gold medalist and Special thanks to our amazing event From left: Sasha Neulinger, presenter; Neil Meltzer, and teen survivors of homicide and survivor advocate, CEO, LifeBridge Health; and Adam Rosenberg, other violent crimes. Collectively, the two speaks to attendees at co-chairs Mandee and Steven Heinl and Executive Director, BCAC. the 2019 Be A Hero Gala. Brett and Julie Cohen. Be A Hero co-chair campaigns reached over 2.3 million Over 100 people had the opportunity to Mandee Heinl put it best: “This is not viewers. View the PSAs and find out more, meet Sasha Neulinger and hear his story a problem that impacts one demographic including what prevention and education of surviving multigenerational sexual or another. This impacts everyone.” resources are available, at stopsexting.org abuse on Feb. 16, 2019 at our Annual We could not have had such a successful and youcanbethedifference.org. Community Gathering. Sasha’s first event without our corporate partners, feature length documentary, “Rewind,” BE A HERO individual donors and volunteer planning is an autobiographical film about his life BCAC’s 6th annual Be A Hero Gala BCAC past president Colby Simon; committee. Thank you, everyone! Assistant State Attorney Lisa Marts; surviving multigenerational child sexual was held May 10, 2019. The event abuse. Sasha uses his voice as a survivor was a phenomenal success, raising Detective Shawntad Randall of the Child to raise awareness and advocate for over $284,000 to help BCAC continue Abuse Unit, Baltimore Police Department; reforms in child advocacy and child abuse to offer a safe, trauma-informed, and Family Services Case Worker prevention. At the event, Sasha previewed child-centered space for children Darlene Winder. Whether through public scenes from his film which has been “Stop Sexting” Public Service Announcement. and families to begin the recovery service, advocacy or working on the front making the rounds at the Tribeca film and healing process. lines every day, their efforts on behalf of Maryland’s children are unparalleled, and festival and other national festivals. To Be A Hero celebrates community heroes we are so grateful for these relationships. Sasha and all survivors, we thank you in the fight against child sexual abuse. for your strength and courage, and for This year’s honorees included: Delegate Be A Hero also featured special guest impacting the lives of thousands by Vanessa Atterbeary (District 13, Howard Olympic gold medalist and survivor owning your stories and bravely finding County); Councilwoman Cathy Bevins advocate Aly Raisman. In her own your voice. Special thanks to the Governor’s (District 6, Baltimore County); The words, she summarized why our work Aly Raisman (middle) with Gala co-chairs Office of Crime Control and Prevention for Honorable Governor Larry Hogan; is so crucial: “This is something that is Mandee and Steven Heinl. “Survivors of Homicide” Public Service supporting this event. RELATIONSHIPS Announcement.

8 BALTIMORE CHILD ABUSE CENTER 2019 GRATITUDE REPORT 9 At the end of the day, true excellence is measured by how we help the children and families who come through our doors.

including the territory of Puerto Rico, on they conducted a presentation, “How Closer to home, the team provided different dynamics of human trafficking, Human Trafficking Affects Vulnerable three half-day trainings for Better Today child sexual abuse imagery and internet Populations: Persons with Disabilities,” Starts Tomorrow (BTST) Services in crimes against children. In Puerto Rico, to more than 300 participants at the Frederick and Prince George’s counties along with our forensic interview team, 3rd Annual Sexual Abuse Symposium. and Baltimore City.

[OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS]

The following are results of an initial and follow-up survey provided to caregivers about their experience at BCAC:

% of caregivers felt like the BCAC staff made sure they understood the reason for their visit 100 and that the process for the interview was clearly explained to them % 97 of caregivers believed their children felt safe at BCAC Forensic interview team. % FORENSIC INTERVIEW TEAM AUTHORS National Children’s Alliance, the 100 of caregivers felt that staff members at BCAC were friendly and pleasant NATIONAL PROTOCOL national accrediting body for over 800 child advocacy centers. Over the last four decades, the science and utilization of forensic interviewing BCAC is thrilled to be able to offer % of caregivers felt that staff members at BCAC did everything they could to help them 93 or their child has grown substantially. Forensic this new national model for use by any interviewing is more than ever an forensic interviewer at a child advocacy center or multidisciplinary team. important tool in the fight to end child % of caregivers feel like they know what to expect with the situation facing their child after their abuse, to uncover previously undisclosed Regional and national trainings will 99 visit to BCAC trauma, and to give children and victims be offered beginning in 2020. voices, all in an effort to aid with healing. % After a two-year team effort involving ANTI-TRAFFICKING AND EXPLOITATION 97 of caregivers were provided with information about how to get support services for themselves research review, expert consultation TRAININGS ACROSS THE COUNTRY and interview method assessment, Over the last year, BCAC’s Anti-Trafficking BCAC’s Forensic Interview Toolbox (FIT) and Exploitation Program team was invited % of caregivers agreed that BCAC provided resources to support their child and respond to has been approved as an accepted to conduct 19 trainings for almost 1,100 100 their needs in the days and weeks ahead national interview protocol by the participants in seven different states, EXCELLENCE % of caregivers would recommend BCAC if they knew anyone else who was dealing with 95 a situation like their family faced 10 BALTIMORE CHILD ABUSE CENTER 2019 GRATITUDE REPORT 11 Financials Our Partners Advisory Committee

Accelerent CHAIR Todd Pattison • Raised $3.9 million Archdiocese of Baltimore Johns Hopkins School MaxSent of Social Work • Individual donors: individual gifts, The Associated: Jewish Community VICE-CHAIR special events, workplace giving Federation of Baltimore Kennedy Krieger Institute Jason White Exelon Power • Government grants: all local, Baltimore City Department Maryland Children’s Alliance state and federal grant awards of Social Services Hirsh Ament Maryland Coalition Against Venable, LLP • Fee for service: rental income, Baltimore City Health Department Sexual Assault training and technical expertise, Stuart D. Blumenthal, DDS sexual assault reimbursements Baltimore City Police Department Maryland State Fatality Joppa Green Pediatric Dentistry Review Board • Foundations: all restricted and Baltimore City Public Schools Christopher S. Carroll and unrestricted foundation awards Mayor’s Office on Criminal Kelly Benefit Strategies Baltimore County Department Justice of Social Services Brett Cohen Mercy Medical System Baltimore County Police Department Kitchen Savers I D Moore Center for the Prevention Heather Dondis Behavioral Health System Baltimore of Child Sexual Abuse, S T. Rowe Price Johns Hopkins School CHAMP of Public Health Carrie Freshour CHANA Clinician G G National Children’s Alliance

E E NE CJAC Ashley Fundack Office of the State’s Attorney Notre Dame of Maryland University Committee to Protect Maryland’s for Baltimore City Children Scott Melamed Project Linus ProMD Health Darkness to Light Safe Streets Baltimore Camille Mihalic Department of Health Southern Regional Children’s B & Dee’s Baltimore Love and Mental Hygiene Advocacy Center Laura Neuman Department of Homeland Security State Council on Child Abuse Entrepreneur and Public Servant and Neglect Department of Justice Brigid Peterson Brown Advisory P Federal Bureau of Investigation Storyfarm Jennifer Sachs Governor’s Office of Children TurnAround, Inc. Educator Governor’s Office of Crime Control United States Attorney’s Office M G John Sherman and Prevention of Maryland Storyfarm Governor’s Family Violence Counsel United Way of Central Maryland Colby Simon HealthCare Access Maryland University of Maryland, Advocate School of Medicine House of Ruth Bridget Stickline Youth Equality Alliance Wee Chic Inspirations EXENE CE

1212 BALTIMORE BALTIMORE CHILD CHILD ABUSE ABUSE CENTER CENTER 2019 2019 GRATITUDE GRATITUDE REPORT REPORT 13 The BCAC Team Curley Newgent [STAFF SPOTLIGHT] Training Associate

T. Ortiz Ja’Ara McCoy, who recently received her Anti-Trafficking and Exploitation Masters of Science in Criminal Justice, Coordinator works as one of BCAC’s Anti-Trafficking Megan Phillips and Exploitation Coordinators. Legal Services Law Clerk BCAC’s mission is not new to her– Adam Rosenberg, Esq. Amanda Duckett Rachel Preloh, LMSW Ja’Ara has always known about BCAC Executive Director Mental Health Coordinator Mental Health Therapist from her family of criminal justice Crimson Barocca, LCSW-C Katie Esser, LMSW Denielle Randall, LGSW professionals. As a child, Ja’Ara Forensic Interview Program Bilingual Mental Health Therapist Lead Family Advocate watched as her family bought and Supervisor Lori Gerstley Sarah Rangelov donated toys and baby gear to BCAC Ja’Ara McCoy Caroline Berger Executive Assistant Pediatric Nurse Practitioner during the holiday season. When she Communications Specialist was fourteen, her best friend disclosed Bria Goodwin, LMSW Nicole Reed Cassandra Chavez, LGSW Forensic Interviewer Volunteer Coordinator that she had been abused, which made rape real and tangible to Ja’Ara Bilingual Forensic Interviewer/ for the first time. A few weeks later, another friend disclosed her abuse Forensic Services Coordinator Wendy Gwirtzman Lane, M.D., MPH Chuck Ritz history. Ja’Ara realized that she wanted to create change somehow by Medical Director Facilities Manager Jessica Ciarapica working in the criminal justice field. She first interned at BCAC during Kerry Hannan, Ph.D. Medical Clinic Coordinator Manny, BCAC facility dog. Iona R. Rudisill, LGSW her Spring 2016 semester, then was hired shortly after as our forensic Director of Forensic Services Anti-Trafficking and Exploitation services assistant. Hilary Corley Program Manager Rosheda Harrell Director of Philanthropy Ja’Ara currently helps organize resource fairs and community events, School and Community Programs Vera Lee Bria Scott talks to the community about recognizing trafficking and how to respond, Kelly DaCunha, LCSW-C, CCFP, CFLE Manager Family Intake Coordinator Forensic Services Assistant Director, Violence Intervention and participates in multidisciplinary team conference calls. She and the Yazmin Hoffman, LMSW Joyce Lombardi, Esq. Amanda Shields rest of the anti-trafficking team are expanding her position to include Alison D’Alessandro, MA Bilingual Mental Health Therapist Director of Government Child Development Specialist Senior Policy and Program Specialist Relations and Legal Services advocating for child trafficking victims who require specialized services. Alisha Hunter Erin Sherman, MSN, CRNP During her time at BCAC, Ja’Ara notes how BCAC reduces trauma by Violence Intervention Data Kelly Mack Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Coordinator Child Care Coordinator putting the best professionals in their fields in one place for children Rashad Singletary to receive services. She has become one of those professionals herself Adriana Jimenez Manny Manager, Community Violence Bilingual Family Advocate Facility Dog and constantly displays a spirit of kindness backed by a resolute deter- Jamie Smith mination to make a difference for abused children, working towards a Eric Johnson Julia Mason Missing Youth Care Coordinator future in which no more children are abused. Family Advocate Handle With Care Coordinator Evelyn Sorto Sammy Jo Kanekuni, LCSW-C Ja’Ara McCoy Family Advocate Lead Forensic Interviewer Anti-Trafficking and Exploitation Coordinator Annie Waller, LMSW Amanda Keanna, MS, CCLS Forensic Interviewer Child Development Program Mackenzie McNamara Supervisor Homicide Survivor Program Sheryl Williams Coordinator Family Advocate Julia Knach, LCPC, LCADC Ja’Ara has displayed a spirit of kindness backed Mental Health Clinic Abigail Miller, LMSW Shannon Wood, LCSW-C Program Supervisor Mental Health Therapist, Forensic Interviewer by a resolute determination to make a difference Missing Youth Program for abused children. Melanie Kujawa LeeAnne Woods Program Monitor/Data LaDonna Morgan Director of Grants Management BCAC staff in core values gear. Specialist Director of Strategy and Operations & Program Evaluation

14 BALTIMORE CHILD ABUSE CENTER 20192019 GRATITUDEGRATITUDE REPORTREPORT 1515 BALTIMORE CHILD ABUSE CENTER 2300 NORTH CHARLES STREET, 4TH FLOOR BALTIMORE, MD 21218

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