Pictured above are (from left): Ruth Gonzales, Shelby County Deputy Chief; Roscoe McSwain, Commissioner Precinct 1; Anna Register, SCCAC Shelby County Coordinator; Marlene Hernandez, Family Advocate; Denise Merriman, SCCAC Executive Director; Allison Harbison, Shelby County Judge; Tanner Peace; Shelby County Sheriff's Captain/SCCAC board President; Anabel Emmons, SCCAC board member; Jimmy Lout, Commissioner Precinct 2; Tom Bellmyer, Commissioner Precinct 4; and Stevie Smith, Commissioner Precinct 3.
April 4, 2022 - Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center (SCCAC) staff and board members were present at the recent Commissioners’ Court meeting held Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in preparation for Child Abuse Awareness Month.
A proclamation was presented to the commissioners and was approved through a motion in favor.
Denise Merriman, Shelby County Children's Advocacy Executive Director, introduced board members and staff members who accompanied her to court. They were: Marlene Hernandez, Family Advocate; Anabel Emmons, board member; Anna Register, Shelby County Coordinator; and Tanner Peace, board President.
“I have enjoyed every minute of being able to work with the Advocacy Center, it’s truly amazing what those ladies do there and how they’re able to help the kids of our community,” said Peace. “I do want to appreciate the support that we’ve had from the [Commissioners’] court on disbursing the [Child Safety] Fee.”
Peace went on to report in the last two weeks they have had 25 new child cases, and he stated how much every bit of support and monetary assistance they receive is beneficial to the children of Shelby County.
Judge Harbison described the proclamation to the commissioners once again stating that it indicates April 2022 is Child Abuse Prevention Month.
She reminded everyone in court the annual butterfly release will be on April 7, 2022, 4:30pm on the Center square at the Historic 1885 Courthouse.
Judge Harrison encouraged anyone with children to attend the event and participate in the butterfly release.
“That’s always a really fun event, a lot of the kids come and the butterflies get released, and it’s really pretty cool,” said Judge Harrison.
