The Pataula Center for Children began as a class project for three Blakely graduate students at Valdosta State University, who were also employees of the Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS). After visiting other child advocacy centers, these students believed that there was a need for similar services in our area. Following public meetings to determine the amount of support for the idea in the community, the process of setting-up the organization began.

 

After many months, the center became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization & was incorporated. The first director was hired in 2007. The center provided space for others to perform recorded forensic interviews. In late 2008, three people were sent to forensic interviewer training, courtesy of Miller County Sheriff H.E. 'Buddy" Glass, and began to provide forensic interviews for law enforcement and DFCS. In 2005, Multi-Disciplinary Teams began to meet in Early County and today each of the seven counties of the Pataula Judicial Circuit have a functioning multidisplinary team meeting on a regular basis.

The Center wants to serve the area's community agencies and groups who help support and serve children and families in legal and legitimate ways. Contact us for speakers, prevention events, or information.