Crime victim services in Washington are facing a serious funding cliff, and consequences will be felt in communities like ours if action is not taken this legislative session.
Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center serves children and families impacted by abuse, sexual assault, and other serious crimes in Snohomish County — some of the most vulnerable members of our community. These service—forensic interviews, medical exams, therapy, advocacy, and coordination with law enforcement and CPS—are a critical part of our community’s safety net.
Without these services, the terrible consequences of child abuse can endure a lifetime and the resulting cost to these children and our community multiplies.
Statewide, $21.38 million is needed to fully fund crime victim services and maintain services at their current capacity. Service providers already operate with limited budgets and struggle to fully meet existing needs. Current proposals in our state legislature seek to reduce this amount by more than 50 percent. Without this investment, centers like ours may be forced to reduce services, limit access, or leave children without timely support when they need it most.
Crime victims shouldn’t pay the price for budget shortfalls. We urge our legislators to act now to protect this essential funding and ensure survivors continue to receive the care and support they deserve by maintaining existing funding levels. Please call your legislators in Olympia and tell them how important it is to fully fund crime victim services. Because EVERY child abuse survivor deserves safety, justice, and healing.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors
Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center;
Timothy Steen, President, Anderson Hunter Law Firm
Mark Duffy, Treasurer, Mountain Pacific Bank
Pam Daniels, Past President, Community Member
Susanna Johnson, Snohomish County Sheriff
Tom Sebastian, Compass Health
Jerry Strieck, Everett Police Department
Karen Clements, Community Member
Kelsey Affronte, Beresford Booth
Michael Dixon, Mukilteo City Council
Jason Cummings-Vice President, Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney
Mary Johanson, Secretary, Community Member
Sandra Surface, Dept. of Children, Youth and Families
Barry Stueve, Providence Swedish
Russell Keithley, Coastal Community Bank
Frances Wilder, Community Member
Heidi Beazizo, Community Member
Sherrie Allin, Community Member
An accredited Child Advocacy Center serving Snohomish County 1509 California Street • Everett, WA 98201-3540•Phone 425-789-3000 • www.dawsonplace.org • Child Advocacy Center of Snohomish County at Dawson Place is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization • Tax ID # 27-0627714
Letter to the Editor on behalf of Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
