The Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Linda Persaud as Family Advocate. Persaud, who interned at the Talbot County CAC in the spring of 2018, will assist victims and families who are referred to the center after a sexual assault has occurred. The CAC provides a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary response in a child-focused setting to allegations of child sexual and severe physical abuse. In partnership with University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, the CAC provides forensic interviews and non-invasive medical examinations in a secure location for cases in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties.
Persaud has completed a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and her Bachelor’s of Social Work from The Richard Stockton College of NJ.
In her job as Family Advocate, Persaud will provide crisis intervention and support to caregivers and child victims of abuse when a child is participating in a Forensic Interview, Forensic Exam, and other CAC services. She conducts intakes, assessments, and provides referrals to behavioral health and community services. She also provides advocacy services and support through the entire legal process, including attending court with the child and family.
Persaud comments, “As family advocate, I am part of a multidisciplinary team with Law Enforcement, the Talbot County Department of Social Services, and the State’s Attorney Office, which helps to support the client. Our goal is to meet the needs of the child and family – working through their concerns and helping to stabilize their emotions through the process.”
She adds, “Education is very important in the process, keeping child and family informed, and making sure they have voice.”
Lauren Krasko, Coordinator of the Talbot County CAC, states, “Linda is bilingual in Spanish. Having her on board has been especially helpful with our Hispanic clients in developing a level of trust. She has become one of the other trusted adults in the lives of the children and teenagers we work with.”
Talbot Community Connections (TCC), a 14-member volunteer nonprofit board, was formed to raise funds to enhance the Talbot County Department of Social Services’ capacity to respond directly to problems of safety and well-being of county citizens. The funds raised by TCC help abused children through the CAC. In addition to grant funds, the Center operates on donated funds from the community. The generous contribution of space and facility infrastructure from Shore Health System is essential to keeping the Center’s doors open. To donate to Talbot Community Connections for the Children’s Advocacy Center, visit talbotcommunityconnections.org. For further information about the CAC or to make a donation, contact Lauren Krasko at 410-820-7141.
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