Senator Michael Balboni announced the award of 19 state grants totaling $1.7 million to improve the investigation of child abuse cases and to help children and families who are victims of abuse.

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) will administer the grants.

The grants, totaling $1,732,665, will be used to investigate, prosecute and manage cases of child abuse and neglect, particularly physical abuse, sexual abuse and other violence directed at children. The grants will also be used to establish and expand child advocacy centers that centralize and increase access to necessary services for child victims and non-offending family members. The programs will reduce additional trauma to child victims, improve the handling of child abuse cases and improve the skills and knowledge of all professionals involved.

The $1.7 million will be disbursed across various child services programs throughout New York State. In Nassau County, the Coalition on Child Abuse & Neglect received $36,964. Nassau County Police Department's Special Services Squad, a part of the county's sex abuse multidisciplinary team, will be located to the child advocacy center. The grant will also be used for training on forensic interviewing.