Date: October 27, 2004
Craig Reynolds
(916) 319-2008
Assemblywoman Lois Wolk recognized for advocating for abused children
"As Chair of the Assembly Human Services Committee, and in my years of service as a Yolo County Supervisor, I have joined with so many outstanding child advocates in the protection of victims of child abuse," said Assemblywoman Wolk. "It is an honor to be counted among them."
Assemblywoman Wolk authored AB 2294, a bill designed to help local governments fund Multidisciplinary Interview Centers (MDIC's) and offer better investigation and prosecution of child abuse while minimizing the trauma child victims experience from these efforts. AB 2294 would have allowed counties to receive funds from California's Victims Restitution Fund to support MDIC's. Currently, local governments must fund these critical child victim protection and law enforcement tools without help from the state.
Cheryl Warchol, the Child Abuse Coordinator for the El Dorado County District Attorney's Office, and chair of the California Consortium of Multidisciplinary Interview Centers, stated "We would like to thank and recognize Assemblywoman Lois Wolk for her leadership, vision, and advocacy to promote funding options for MDIC's." Warchol added, "Her continuing efforts to secure permanent funding for MDIC's exemplifies the advocacy we all strive for in benefiting the children and families in California."
MDIC's directly support the needs of children who have been the victims of crimes, specifically sexual abuse and physical abuse. MDIC's were formed in response to the traumatic effects of multiple sexual abuse interviews on child victims. Prior to their use, a child victim would likely have to disclose sexual abuse to a social worker, police investigator, prosecutor, and finally, a judge and jury. An MDIC videotapes one investigative interview of a child abuse victim for later use in criminal prosecution. In this way, children are not required to repeatedly tell their very private and very painful stories of abuse.
Also receiving an award was John Boisa, a Consultant to the Assembly Human Services Committee. Boisa advises Assemblywoman Wolk on a variety of Human Services matters and assisted her in authoring AB 2294. Boisa formerly served as a child abuse investigator with San Joaquin County Child Protective Services and currently serves as a Commissioner with San Joaquin County's Children's Services Coordinating Commission.
