News & Events

📣 We’re proud to share an exciting update from the Alabama Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance!
On behalf of the Alliance, we are honored to be part of the advisory committee for the Alabama Dream Team – Engage Together Project. This group of leaders and experts has committed to guiding a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reshaping Alabama’s statewide response to human trafficking.
Our first official meeting was held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, bringing together diverse voices from across the state to kick off this transformational effort.
The Engage Together Project is a two-phase strategy focused on:
🔍 Phase 1: Research & Reports – assessing Alabama’s current efforts in anti-human trafficking work
🤝 Phase 2: Community Mobilization – activating new opportunities for impact and collaboration
This initiative connects local, regional, and statewide leaders in a united mission to end human trafficking and improve services for victims and survivors.
To our fellow Dream Team members: thank you for lending your insight, experience, and leadership. Your participation helps us:
🔹Identify risks and vulnerabilities
🔹Build critical networks
🔹Strengthen statewide response efforts
🔹Shape data-driven, actionable recommendations
🌐 Learn more at: www.engagetogether.com
/project/alabama
Together, we believe we can transform the landscape of anti-human trafficking efforts in Alabama.

Last week, ANCAC’s Director of Program Services, Maribeth Bowman, and our dedicated training partner, Brad Jordan, had the opportunity to travel to Frederick County, MD to help facilitate From Classroom to Crime Scene — an interactive, hands-on MDT simulation training.
Hosted by the Child Advocacy Center of Frederick County, this powerful training brought together every discipline — including CAC staff, Law Enforcement, Child Protective Services, Prosecution, and Forensic Medical professionals — to strengthen team response and deepen cross-discipline understanding.
We’re incredibly proud of the work being done across the country to build stronger, more unified teams in the fight to protect children. Thank you to our colleagues in Maryland for the warm welcome and shared commitment to this vital work.

Last week, several of our incredible CAC leaders traveled to Capitol Hill to raise their voices for the children of Alabama.
Leaders from across the state met with Senators Britt and Tuberville to advocate for restoring critical federal funding to Children’s Advocacy Centers. We are especially grateful to Senator Tuberville for co-sponsoring the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act—an important step toward ensuring continued services for child abuse victims.

📸 Pictured (left to right):
Back row – Chris Newlin, CEO of National Children's Advocacy Center; Kim Bevis, Executive Director, Cramer Children's Center; Maribeth Bowman, ANCAC Director of Program Services.
Front row – Patricia Falcon, Executive Director, James M. Barrie Center for Children; Elizabeth Harris, Forensic Interviewer, Cramer Children's Center; Jana Zuelzke, Executive Director, Butterfly Bridge, Children's Advocacy Center; Emily Hutcheson, Assistant Director, Butterfly Bridge, Children's Advocacy Center; Brad Jordan, Detective Sergeant, Pelham Police Department.

This funding doesn’t come from taxpayers—it’s generated from fines paid by convicted criminals. It’s a commonsense win for Alabama’s children.
📞 Want to help? Call your congressional members and ask them to support the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act!

We are proud to share that Governor Kay Ivey has officially signed our Standards Bill into law! This is a monumental step forward in strengthening services and protections for children and families across Alabama.
Our State Executive Director, Lynn Scott, and our Director of Program Services, Maribeth Parker Bowman, were honored to attend the bill signing ceremony today and witness this important milestone firsthand.
We are deeply grateful to Governor Ivey for her leadership and commitment to making the safety and well-being of children a priority. Thank you to everyone who supported this important effort — your advocacy made this achievement possible!
Together, we are building a stronger, safer future. 💙 #StrongerTogether #ChildAdvocacy #Alabama

🌟 On April 10, our State Executive Director, Lynn Scott, joined Governor Kay Ivey at the State Capitol for the official proclamation signing declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Children’s Trust Fund board members, CTF staff, and grantees gathered as well to witness this important moment as Governor Ivey reaffirmed the state's commitment to protecting children and strengthening families.
Thank you, Governor Ivey, for your leadership and support in shining a light on prevention efforts across Alabama! 💙

We were so honored to welcome our incredible State Ambassador, Evie Smith, and ANCAC Board Member, Brooke Smith, for a special visit in early May! 💙 Evie even surprised us with a heartfelt gift—meet Jaggy!
As a child at a Child Advocacy Center, Evie was given a plush snow leopard that brought her comfort and healing. She named it Jaggy. Today, she’s paying it forward—sharing Jaggy with other children walking the same brave journey she once did.
Stuffed animals like Jaggy are more than toys—they’re therapeutic tools for children recovering from trauma. Snow leopards represent courage and resilience, qualities every child who walks through our doors embodies.
Now you can help make a difference:
💙 When you purchase a Jaggy, Evie donates one to a child at a CAC—or you can donate both!
Will you help give a child their own Jaggy to love?
📖 “Be strong and courageous...” – Jeremiah 1:9
We’re cheering Evie on as she prepares to compete for Miss Alabama! She continues to lead with grace through her initiative, A.C.T. (Advocating for Children of Trauma), which empowers communities through awareness and action.
Learn more about her inspiring work and support her journey here: https://linktr.ee/eviesmithact
#ChildAdvocacy #JaggyTheLeopard #MissAlabama #ACTforChildren #ANCAC

🌟 Exciting News!
We are thrilled to announce that our incredible State Ambassador, Evie Smith, will be visiting two of our centers this April! 🎉
Evie is preparing to compete for Miss Alabama, and we are so proud of her dedication, grace, and commitment to making a difference in our communities.
Evie is the founder of A.C.T. (Advocating for Children of Trauma), which focuses on empowering communities through awareness and action. Learn more about her inspiring mission and how you can support her journey here: 👉 https://linktr.ee/eviesmithact
Stay tuned for more details on her visits! We can't wait to welcome her and cheer her on as she takes the stage! 👑

🎉 GREAT NEWS!
We’re thrilled to announce that House Bill 493—our Standards Bill—has officially passed the Senate and is now on its way to Governor Ivey’s desk! This is a monumental step forward for children and families across Alabama.
This victory would not have been possible without the tireless dedication and advocacy of so many. We are especially grateful to Representative Corley Ellis for sponsoring the bill and championing it through the legislative process with unwavering commitment.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible lobbyist, Jay Love, whose strategic guidance and relentless efforts were instrumental in moving this bill forward. We also extend our sincere thanks to Chris Newlin, CEO of National Children's Advocacy Center, for connecting with Senator Givhan, who served as our Senate sponsor—every call and every conversation made a difference.
To everyone who picked up the phone, sent an email, or helped spread the word—thank you. Your support helped turn our vision into reality.
This is a powerful win for Alabama’s children, and we’re just getting started! 💙

ANCAC staff members, Lynn Scott and Maribeth Bowman, joined Representative Corley Ellis at the Alabama State House to advocate for critical legislation during the Child and Elder Advocacy Committee meeting.
We’re proud to work alongside Rep. Ellis to represent Alabama’s 36 Children’s Advocacy Centers and the incredible work they do every day to support children impacted by abuse.
Being at the Alabama State House allows us to share the voices of the thousands of children and families we serve—and to remind leaders that child advocacy is a priority that deserves ongoing attention and support.

ANCAC staff and Lobbyist Jay Love were proud to be in attendance as Representative Corley Ellis took the floor to advocate for critical legislation that impacts children across our state — and the bill passed through the House! The bill is now headed to the Senate! 🙌💙
We are incredibly grateful for Rep. Ellis’ leadership and for the voices that continue to stand up for Alabama’s children. We would also like to recognize Rep. Bedsole and Rep. Mooney for their support as well. A win for advocacy, a win for progress, and most importantly — a win for kids!

Our MDT team at West Alabama CAC took a powerful step forward with hands-on simulated investigations (SIM Trainings) designed to strengthen collaboration, sharpen critical response skills, and elevate outcomes for children and families impacted by abuse.
Participants from across disciplines such as law enforcement, child advocacy, medical, mental health, prosecution, and protective services came together to work real-world scenarios in a safe, supportive learning environment.
These simulations are more than practice, they’re preparation. Together, we’re building stronger teams and safer communities. 💙

In December 2024, Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville), Representative Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville), and North Alabama lawmakers joined the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC), NCAC founder Bud Cramer, and neighboring CACs to spotlight the vital work of Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) in supporting children and families across Alabama.
“Children’s Advocacy Centers are a beacon of hope for kids facing some of the darkest moments in their lives,” said Speaker Ledbetter. “They address childhood trauma, hold offenders accountable, and strengthen communities. This event is about recognizing their incredible work and exploring ways to support their mission.”
Alabama’s 43 CACs collectively provide nearly 100 therapy sessions every day—completely free to families.
Pictured: National Children's Advocacy Center's Executive Director, Chris Newlin (far left, front row); Limestone Child Advocacy Center’s Advocacy Center’s Executive Director, Becky Bentley (far right, end of the front row); and Morgan County Child Advocacy Center’s Executive Director, Misty Cowger (far right, front row). 💙