Hoops Family Children’s Hospital strengthens support for children through Child Advocacy Center

The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) at Marshall Health Network – Hoops Family Children’s Hospital provides a coordinated, child-centered response when abuse or neglect is suspected, helping children and families navigate medical care, investigation and recovery in a safe, supportive environment.

As one of only two hospital-based Child Advocacy Centers in West Virginia, the Hoops CAC pairs a multidisciplinary approach with direct access to specialized pediatric expertise and resources across Marshall Health Network.

The Hoops CAC recently received $96,580.20 through West Virginia’s Child Advocacy Center Grant program to support its continued work. The award is part of more than $2.1 million in funding for 22 child advocacy center projects across the state.

“Every child who comes through our doors deserves to feel safe, supported and heard,” said Angela Seay, BA, MS, LSW, coordinator of the Hoops Family Children’s Hospital Child Advocacy Center. “It takes the teamwork of our hospital and community partners, including local law enforcement and child protective services, so a child is never asked to tell their story repeatedly. Instead, they are gently wrapped in support right away. This funding allows us to keep strengthening those connections and ensure that every child and family has someone walking alongside them from the very beginning.”

Central to the CAC model is a specially trained forensic interviewer who allows a child to share their experience in an age-appropriate setting while members of the multidisciplinary team coordinate next steps. This approach helps minimize the number of times a child must recount their experience while connecting children and families with medical care, counseling, advocacy and other services they may need.

The hospital-based setting also provides direct access to specialized pediatric expertise and other services available through Hoops Family Children’s Hospital and Marshall Health Network when additional medical care is needed.

The Hoops CAC currently serves children and families in Cabell and Wayne counties and will expand its service area to include Mason County later this year. In 2025, the center served 313 children who were victims of alleged sexual or physical abuse or neglect. Services are provided at no cost to families.

Earlier this year, the CAC moved into a new dedicated space on the Marshall Health Network - Cabell Huntington Hospital campus designed to provide greater privacy, security and comfort for children and families. The space includes child-friendly interview and examination rooms and technology that allows forensic interviews to be recorded, further reducing the need for children to repeatedly recount their experiences.

“Having a Child Advocacy Center within Hoops Family Children’s Hospital allows us to bring specialized pediatric care and a coordinated response to children and families during an incredibly difficult time,” said Melanie Akers, vice president of women’s and children’s services, Marshall Health Network, and vice president of operations, Cabell Huntington Hospital. “As we expand our services to reach more families across the region, we remain committed to providing a safe, compassionate environment where children can receive the support they need.”

The Hoops CAC is accredited by the National Children’s Alliance, reflecting its adherence to national standards for a multidisciplinary, evidence-based response to child abuse.

For more information about the Child Advocacy Center at Hoops Family Children’s Hospital, visit hoopschildrens.org/facilities-programs/child-advocacy-center or call 304.526.2349.