In Jackson County, some of the most difficult stories ever told are met with compassion, professionalism and unwavering support at the Jackson County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC). Serving as a safe haven for children and families facing abuse, the CAC provides critical services designed to protect, support and help children heal, all at no cost to those they serve.
Located in Scottsboro, the Jackson County CAC is part of a broader network of advocacy centers across Alabama working to reduce trauma and support child victims through coordinated care.
What began with just one employee has grown into a dedicated team of five professionals committed to serving Jackson County.
These employees include Miranda Corona, Executive Director; Sherri Cushen, Operations Coordinator; Chloe Thrasher, Family Advocate; Kim Wilhelm, Therapist and Heather Boyanton, Prevention Facilitator.
This team works daily to ensure that every child who walks through their doors is met with dignity, compassion and a path toward healing.
Operating the Jackson County CAC requires nearly $350,000 annually, a significant increase from its early days.
These funds support staffing, therapy services, prevention education, advocacy work and the facility itself.
Despite these costs, every service provided is completely free to children and families. No one is ever turned away due to financial hardship.
The CAC’s impact continues to grow each year. In 2025 alone, 1,165 children and family members were served, 88 forensic interviews were conducted, and 400 therapy sessions were provided. Each of these numbers represents a child given a voice, and a chance to heal.
The work of the CAC extends beyond care, it also plays a vital role in the justice system.
In 2025 and through April 2026, the District Attorney’s Office has prosecuted 26 adult defendants for crimes against children.
There have been 180 total charges involving sexual abuse, physical abuse and internet crimes filed.
The District Attorney’s office has also secured convictions resulting in over 170 years in combined sentences.
These outcomes reflect a strong collaboration between the CAC, law enforcement and prosecutors, ensuring children are protected while offenders are held accountable.
The Jackson County CAC provides a full continuum of care, including forensic interviews, family advocacy, therapy services, prevention presentations and even parenting classes.
These services are designed to reduce trauma, support families and help children move forward.
Community support is essential to sustaining and expanding the CAC’s mission.
A donation, no matter the size, makes a direct impact. For example, a $100,000 donation could help fund an additional counselor, reducing wait times for therapy;
allow hiring of another prevention facilitator to reach more students; expand outreach and education efforts across the county.
With increased or unlimited funding, the CAC could expand into a larger facility, add more counseling and family support spaces, serve more children at one time and create an even more welcoming secure environment for healing.
Your gift is an investment in the lives of children in Jackson County. Because all services are free, the CAC relies heavily on community support and private donors.
You can help by donating. To learn how to donate online visit
jacksoncountycac.com.
You can make a one-time donation or even set up a recurring gift to provide sustainable support.
To donate by mail send checks made payable to Jackson County Children’s Advocacy Center, to ATTN: Fundraising, P.O. Box 902, Scottsboro, AL 35768
There are many meaningful ways to invest in the lives of children including memorial and honorary gifts, corporate matching & sponsorships, hosting a fundraising event, gifts of stock & securities, planned and estate giving or contributions through the Children’s Trust Fund.
The Jackson County Children’s Advocacy Center is more than a service, it is a lifeline.
It stands as a place where children are heard, families are supported and justice is pursued.
Through the dedication of its staff and the generosity of the community, the CAC continues to provide hope, healing and a voice for those who need it most, because every child deserves to be heard and every child deserves to heal.
