In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center (CAMCAC) hosted rallies in Hot Springs and Benton, Arkansas, to honor those who faithfully serve children and families in our community who have been affected by abuse. The annual events were held on April 5 and 12 respectively and have become a meaningful tradition over the years. The idea began in 2008 as a small community gathering but has since grown into a community-wide event to raise awareness of this important issue and celebrate the progress being made to care for this vulnerable population.

During the rallies, CAMCAC recognized three people with the Patrick McCruden Superhero Award, which is given to a member of the organization’s multidisciplinary team (MDT) for outstanding service to children. The MDT consists of staff, local law enforcement, Arkansas State Police, Department of Human Services, Prosecution and other state and local agencies. Awards this year were presented to Caitlin Bornhoft and Brock Price with the Garland County Prosecutor’s Office (Hot Springs) and Det. Joseph Amundson with the Saline County Sheriff’s Office (Benton).

Additionally, the rallies featured a keynote speaker, a children’s choir and a marble ceremony. “When there is a conviction of an offender, everyone involved in the case comes to the center to put one marble for every year of incarceration in a jar, or one jumbo marble for a life sentence,” shared Holly Heer, supervisor of development for CAMCAC. “It’s a very powerful and symbolic way to celebrate the successes we have had in fighting child abuse within our community.”

CAMCAC offers a safe, child-friendly environment, where a comprehensive and coordinated approach is taken in response to allegations of child abuse. It is one of 17 advocacy centers in Arkansas and has the unique distinction of being the only hospital-based child advocacy center in the state. It serves approximately 700 clients annually and has offices located in Hot Springs, Benton and Mena.