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Alabama’s Attorney General Steve Marshall stopped in Brewton last week as part of a tour of agencies across the state.
On Wednesday, the Escambia County Regional Child Advocacy Center’s director, Stephanie Myrick, guided Marshall on a tour of the local facilities.
During the visit, Myrick took the opportunity to let Marshall know about challenges faced locally.
“It’s hard when you’re awarded a grant in October but don’t start getting the checks until March,” Myrick said. “We are fortunate to have a lot of local support on behalf of the CAC (Child Advocacy Center). Those delays pose problems for a lot of agencies. We do what we have to do to make it work. We’re here for the kids and will be until the end.”
Marshall said he understood those issues and was thankful for the chance to see the local office in person.
“I wanted to come a visit with CAC, domestic violence and trafficking agencies,” Marshall said. “I guess part of it is selfish because I still consider myself a prosecutor. Having this agency able to work with law enforcement is incredible. This gives me a good chance to reconnect with everyone after COVID.”
On hand for the visit from Marshall were individuals who work to support the work of ECCAC every day. Attending were Escambia County Sheriff Heath Jackson, Representative Alan Baker, Brewton Police Chief Randy Nicholson, Brewton Police Officer Rodney Brand, Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks, Flomaton Police Chief Chance Thompson, Lynn Barnes with the Department of Human Resources as well as others from associated agencies across the county.
Marshall explained that the state had received the first round of an Opioid settlement case and those funds will be used to help victim’s agencies in the coming months.
“We’ve received $270,000 in that settlement,” Marshall explained. “We know that children are victims of opioid abuse in many cases. We will be using $1.5 million in training around the state from those funds.”
Marshall praised the work of the local agency and understands their mission.
“You are blessed to have this CAC and the collaborative nature of what they do,” Marshall said. “We all have a common mission and we see the value of the CAC. Thank you for your willingness to serve”