Celebrating 40 Years of Child Advocacy in Huntsville
In 1985, a transformative movement started in Huntsville that fundamentally changed responses to child abuse.
Now, four decades later, this initiative has evolved into a global paradigm for healing and justice.
What initiated as a single center aimed at providing a caring, coordinated response to child abuse has expanded into a model recognized internationally, with over 1,100 counterparts in all 50 states and 41 countries.
Recently, high-ranking officials from Alabama and Washington, D.C., convened at the Huntsville Botanical Garden Ballroom to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the National Center for Children’s Advocacy (NCAC).
The event celebrated former U.S. Congressman Robert “Bud” Cramer Jr., who established the NCAC in 1985 during his tenure as Madison County District Attorney. Cramer envisioned a collaborative environment prioritizing children by uniting law enforcement, mental health experts, healthcare providers, and prosecutors.
This interdisciplinary team has significantly reshaped community support for abuse victims.
“Bud Cramer didn’t just create something for Huntsville; he ignited a global movement that prioritizes children,” remarked Hannah Alderson, the NCAC Development Manager. “Children deserve nothing but the best.”
Cramer’s legacy extends beyond local impact; his national influence is noteworthy. While serving in Congress, he was pivotal in obtaining essential funding for the Children’s Advocacy Centers program and contributed to the 1990 Child Abuse Act, facilitating the nationwide expansion of the NCAC model.
“This anniversary is not only about reflecting on past achievements but also about envisioning a future,” stated Chris Newlyn, executive director of NCAC. “Every child deserves safety, support, and justice. We’re committed to making this a reality.”
Since its inception, the NCAC has trained over 100,000 child abuse professionals globally through its training center and continues to assist children and families in Madison County daily.
