Since 1991, the Children’s Advocacy Center, The Emmy Haney House (formerly known as the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hamilton County), has helped child victims of sexual and severe physical abuse. In their over 25-year history they have served over 12,000 children in Hamilton County and the surrounding areas of Tennessee. In the fall of 2016, Franklin Haney gave a gift of $250,000 in honor of his wife and Children’s Advocacy Center Founder, Emmy Haney. The CAC has chosen to name their new space, within the Family Justice Center, “Children’s Advocacy Center, The Emmy Haney House” to honor Ms.
Haney and all she has done to support the CAC and the kids they help.
On July 28, Ms. Haney, Mr. Haney, their children and grandchildren gathered with CAC staff, board, and friends to reveal the new sign and logo honoring Ms. Haney and her dedication to ensuring abused children receive help, hope, and healing.
"One in four children are a victim of child sexual abuse before their 18th birthday. Everyone in the state of Tennessee is a mandated reporter. That means if child abuse is suspected anyone can report it to 1-877-237-0004. When a child is an alleged victim of sexual abuse or severe physical abuse they can come to the Emmy Haney House for help, hope, and healing.
"The center provides an environment where children speak to trained professionals. Advocacy services are offered to non-offending care givers. Counseling is available to children as long as they need for no charge. Last year the Center provided these services to almost 600 children in Hamilton County.
"Child abuse is a preventable problem. The community must report it, so that children are connected to services. The Emmy House provides child abuse prevention classes at no charge to community members and professionals who work with children. Last year over 2,000 adults were trained in how to recognize, respond and report child abuse," officials said.