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FROM STAFF REPORTS

MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has officially signed House Bill 493 into law, a measure that allows for the updating of standards guiding the Alabama Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers. This legislative step reinforces the state’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children and supporting the multidisciplinary teams that serve them.

Sponsored by Rep. Corley Ellis and Sen. Sam Givhan, HB493 modernizes the statutory framework for ANCAC by granting the organization the authority to update its operational standards in alignment with national best practices. These updates will enhance service delivery across the Network’s 36 Children’s Advocacy Centers, which provide coordinated response, care and support to children who experience abuse.

“To safeguard Alabama’s most valuable asset, its children, it was essential to update the standards for ANCAC,” Ellis said. “By investing in this measure, we are ensuring that every child who experiences abuse receives the hope, healing, and justice they deserve.”

Children’s Advocacy Centers serve as safe, child-friendly environments where forensic interviewers, law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical and victim advocacy professionals work together to investigate abuse allegations, hold offenders accountable and help children heal.

By allowing ANCAC to periodically revise its standards, HB493 ensures that Alabama’s approach remains responsive to evolving research, trauma-informed care practices and the needs of children and families.

“We are grateful to the Legislature and Governor for recognizing the importance of this measure,” said Lynn Scott, state director of ANCAC. “With HB493, we can continue to improve the quality of services provided to children who experience abuse and maintain the highest standards of care and coordination statewide.”