Beverly Hutchinson, Director of Development and Marketing for The Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center, was guest speaker at the Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Chapter’s regular meeting at The Seabrook Island Club on Wednesday, May 17, 2017.
Ms. Hutchinson started as a child advocate volunteer in 1991 when the Center was founded by the Junior League of Charleston. Since 1996, Beverly has served on the Board of Directors, the Fundraising Committee, and as Vice President and President.
Ms. Hutchinson provided an overview of child abuse including statistics, symptoms, immediate and lasting effects on abused children and their families and the economic impact of abuse on our society.
Each child brought to The Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center is interviewed by a healthcare professional, his/her situation is assessed and is examined by an MUSC Medical Staff Member. The team of professionals working with each child then provides a clinical assessment and recommendations for therapy. “46” children on Johns and Wadmalaw Islands have been interviewed by The Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center this year. Nine are involved in therapy programs.
The center provides training sessions locally for adults on recognizing the symptoms of child abuse, works closely with private agencies providing assistance to families and continually researches successful therapy practices.
-Submitted by Lori Leary