The Executive Director of the Children's Homes of Cleveland County (CHCC) says local youth will benefit from state funding and reforms passed by the North Carolina General Assembly this year.
Margie Christopher, who has led CHCC for 29 years, says a $250,000 state appropriation and new child welfare laws will benefit children who depend on her organization.
"We are grateful that state funding will benefit our Right of Passage Campaign, a brand new transitional living opportunity at the Children's Homes of Cleveland County," Christopher said. "State funding will also help double our capacity for outpatient therapy and strengthen the supervised visitation program at the Children's Homes of Cleveland County."
The North Carolina General Assembly passed major reforms to the state's child welfare system this year in the Child Protection and Accountability Act, changes Christopher says will also improve her organization's services.
"The Child Protection and Accountability Act strengthens oversight of child services and will benefit youth that depend on the Children's Homes of Cleveland County," Christopher said. "The Child Protection and Accountability Act will help ensure our youth are safe and receiving quality access to services while providing our organization with the information we need to benefit local families."
North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) said the state General Assembly is committed to improving services and providing assistance to organizations like the Children's Homes of Cleveland County.
"I'm grateful for the Children's Homes of Cleveland County and the critical services they provide to our local youth," Moore said. "I look forward to seeing the benefits that state funds and important reforms will have for this organization that improves the lives of so many children and families in Cleveland County."
Children's Homes of Cleveland County, Inc. is an independent, not for profit agency serving children and families for more than 25 years that are in crisis due to abuse and neglect.
Submitted by Margie Christopher