Volunteering And Internships

Opportunities To Volunteer Or Intern With BRACAC

Your Way To Give Back

Is Helping Children And Supporting Our Community Your Calling?

Diversity Statement

BRACAC will foster and nourish an open atmosphere of caring people regardless of their race, age, creed, religion, national origin, physical abilities, gender, or sexual orientation.  We strive to have a board that is reflective of our clients and our community.  Diverse points of view make us a stronger board, better able to serve our clients and our community.

Current Volunteer/Intern Openings

We are currently accepting volunteers and Interns, Please email s.durbin@bracac.org if you have questions about open positions.
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Our Journey

Organization History

Looking back on our journey and forward to our commitment

In the spring of 1998, child advocates and professionals in the Barren River Area met to discuss the lack of critical services for victims of child sexual abuse and their non-offending family members. They determined the region desperately needed one, very special and child friendly place that would provide on-site crisis intervention, case investigations and coordination of team members, and most importantly, services to child victims. The group formed a Board of Directors and applied for a small VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) grant later that summer, determined to develop a Child Advocacy Center to serve the region. BRACAC hired an Executive Director in December 1998 and immediately began the ambitious goal to develop a Center that would support a ten county region. With the support of city and county leaders, regional legislators and then Governor and Mrs. Paul E. Patton, BRACAC purchased a large, historical church located just blocks from the Bowling Green Police Department in the summer of 1999. BRACAC then partnered with the Warren County Fiscal Court and the Barren River Area Development District office to apply for a Community Block Development Grant (CDBG) in August 1999, receiving approval in November 1999. With access to the funds made possible in May 2000, BRACAC continued to work diligently to renovate, prepare and occupy the Center’s new home.

Meanwhile, the creation of the Kentucky Association of Children’s Advocacy Centers, the passing of critical legislation establishing Child Advocacy Centers or “CACs,” and the development of additional funding made the addition of a full time Crisis Intervention Counselor possible in April 2000. A full time therapist was added to the staff in the final stages of renovation of the Center’s facility in the winter 2000. Following a long-term recruitment effort, BRACAC teamed up with four dedicated physicians and a volunteer medical assistant in the summer of 2000 to complete specialized training in preparation for the provision of on-site specialized medical examinations for victims of child sexual abuse. Proudly, the Center celebrated its grand opening on January 12, 2001 and immediately went to work providing all core services to the children and families of the ten county region. In November 2005, the BRACAC reorganized its funding sources to allow for the development of a second Crisis Intervention Counselor to better meet the growing needs of children and families and to stay actively involved with each of the region’s ten Multidisciplinary Teams. The BRACAC also developed an Administrative Assistant and its first Forensic Interviewer position in July 2006.

In April 2011, the BRACAC celebrated its 10th Anniversary of quality service provision to children and families living in the BRADD region. More than 4,500 children have received services during that time – and more will come. In preparation, the Center was fortunate enough to receive various grants and support from local and national organizations to upgrade its entire forensic interviewing system and colposcope/medical system to some of the best digital systems in the country. Other upgrades to the Center’s services areas were also completed.

The Center now maintains a full time staff of one Executive Director, a Coordinator of Operations & Finance and three Crisis Intervention Counselors. Its extended staff consists of two part-time Forensic Interviewers, a part-time therapist, four volunteer physicians, an RN and a host of enthusiastic volunteers to support its mission and services to the community.

Our history is strong, but our vision and commitment to positive change for the future of children in our regional community is even stronger…

Frequently Asked Questions

Wouldn’t A Child Who Has Been Sexually Abused Be Fearful Of The Offender?

Sexual abusers often “groom” their victims by giving gifts, attention, and/or special privileges. This grooming process insures continued access and secrecy with the victim. The abuser may also be a close friend, member of the family, or someone else that the victim loves or looks up to.

As The Protective Caregiver - What About My Feelings?

Caregivers of victims also have a variety of emotions following a disclosure of abuse. Common emotions experienced by caregivers are guilt, sadness, shock, anger, and even depression. If the abuser is also a caregiver, there may be worries about housing and economic issues that must be considered. Although the caregiver’s emotions may be strong, it is important that the child believes that the caregiver can handle the disclosure or the results. The child, if he/she feels that the emotions created by the disclosure are too intense, may withdraw thinking that this will lessen the strain on the caregiver. It is vital that the caregiver speak to another competent adult, NOT the child, about their complex and strong feelings. It may be helpful for the parent to seek treatment with a counselor who is experienced in working with the families of victims.

Caregivers also must separate their own emotions from those of the victim. Caregivers can help the victim express his/her own feelings about the abuse. This can be especially difficult for caregivers who experienced abuse themselves as a child. Watching a loved one go through abuse may bring up old emotions. It is important that the caregiver resolves these feelings with a competent adult or counselor and NOT the child.

Support groups with other caregivers of victims can also be very helpful during this time. Information on groups is available at your local children’s advocacy center.

Can A Child Consent To Having Sex With An Adult Or Much Older Child/Teenager?

No. Because of age, size and/or the nature of the relationship, adults have power and authority over children. Children, therefore, do not have the maturity to equally consent to a sexual act with an adult or much older child. Each state has laws that define the legal age at which a child can consent to a sexual activity.

Does Child Sexual Abuse Involve More Than Touching?

Sexual abuse can take on many forms such as fondling, penetration, exposure of private parts, participation and/or viewing of pornography, and communicating with a child in a sexualized manner.  All forms are serious and must be addressed by law enforcement, child protective services, and/or medical professionals.

How Can I Find Out About Sex Offenders In My Area?

Sex offenders are required to register with law enforcement when they move or after their release from prison/jail. A list of sex offenders registered in Kentucky can be accessed via the internet at kspsor.state.ky.us. This information can be obtained by calling toll free 1-866-564-5652. At this number, an individual can register up to 3 zip codes to monitor and a phone number. When a registered sex offender moves into and/or within that three zip code area, the Kentucky State Police willnotify the phone number provided.

Although the registration, phone notification, and website system is helpful, it is not 100% accurate. Even though there is a punishment if a convicted sex offender does not register, some offenders do not register. Also, some offenders “plead out” of their cases and therefore may not have to register, if their plea agreement does not include a registerable offense. Persons convicted of sex crimes before July 15, 1994 are not required to register for those crimes. Offenders who are not reported, charged, and convicted are not required to register.

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Reducing The Trauma Of Child Abuse In The Barren River Area