Photo submitted to the Times Observer Melissa McLean, executive director of the Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center, during her recent trip to the National Children’s Alliance Rural Assembly in Montana.

Melissa McLean did not miss a recent opportunity to spread her message of collaboration with other rural Children’s Advocacy Center leaders across the country.

McLean, executive director and forensic interviewer for the Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center, recently traveled to the National Children’s Alliance (NCA) Rural Assembly in Montana. McLean was one of three Pennsylvania directors selected to attend the event, which brought together more than 150 local people. and national leaders from Children’s Advocacy Centers across the country, including Teresa Huizar, executive director of the National Children’s Alliance.

At the call, McLean served on the Sustainability Partnerships panel, where she presented the role community support and local partnerships play in sustaining Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center services. His presentation highlighted the notable support provided by Warren County organizations and businesses, with special emphasis on WCCAC’s membership in the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry (WCCBI).

“I have always said that Warren County is a special place to live and work. It was a great honor to be able to share that with other attendees and encourage them to forge their own strong community connections. “It truly takes a village to make a lasting impact, and our partners in Warren County are a testament to that commitment.” McLean said.

The National Children’s Alliance is a national association dedicated to helping communities respond to allegations of child abuse. Provides training, financial support, technical assistance, leadership, national advocacy, and access to current national research results to local centers. The recent Rural Call addressed the challenges facing rural centers, with sessions on partnerships, access to resources and community outreach.

“Our community partnerships are essential to sustaining our mission, and being part of WCCBI allows us to increase our resources and strengthen our response to child abuse.” McLean shared with the panel attendees.

Children’s Advocacy Centers associated with the National Children’s Alliance undergo an accreditation process that follows a set of 10 regularly updated standards established by the NCA board of directors. Once accredited, local agencies such as the Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center localize standards to meet the needs of the local community.