Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Nydia Negron (212) 788-9364
"I am committed -- first, last and always -- to protecting the children of New York City," Mayor Giuliani said. "That's why last February the Administration for Children's Services was created as a separate agency to focus more closely on the needs of our children. This new Children's Advocacy Center will be a valuable partner in this effort. Here the basic goal will be to protect children through a multi-disciplinary approach that includes prevention, assessment, investigation, referral for prosecution and treatment of child victims.
The Children's Advocacy Center of Manhattan, a privately funded, non-profit organization, will employ an innovative, coordinated approach to dealing with child abuse. Working with the Police Department, the District Attorney's office, professionals from the Administration for Children's Services and the Pediatric Department of New York Hospital, the Center will provide on-site services to help abused children, while bringing a team-based approach to investigating and prosecuting cases.
"The combination of child protective services, law enforcement, prosecution, medical and mental health teams will result in a more complete understanding of each case," the Mayor continued. "Individuals, foundations, city agencies, hospitals and other service providers are working together in a cooperative effort to make this new center a special place. It is another great example of the public - private partnership in action."
The new center was designed as a child friendly environment to promote a feeling of safety and nurturing. It will be equipped with state of the art technical facilities to support medical examinations and law enforcement information gathering.
The Center was founded in 1995 by Childhelp USA, Georgette Mosbacher and Martin Richards. Childhelp USA is a 36-year-old charity which rescues children in distress. Founded in 1959 by Sara O'Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, who will serve on the new center's Board of Directors, the organization is a recognized leader in the field of child abuse prevention and treatment.
Georgette Mosbacher is President of Mosbacher Enterprises, Inc., which specializes in beauty and cosmetic products. In 1993, she became a resident of New York City and immediately launched an initiative to improve care for victims of child abuse. Working with Childhelp USA, Mrs. Mosbacher helped fashion the action plan which resulted in the creation of the Children's Advocacy Center of Manhattan. She will serve as Chairperson of the Advocacy Center Board.
Martin Richards heads the film and theatrical company The Producer Circle, which he founded with his late wife Mary Lea Johnson in 1976. Following the death of his wife in 1990, Mr. Richards continued his charitable activities through the Mary Lea Johnson Richards Charitable Foundation. In 1995, he joined Childhelp and Georgette Mosbacher to found the Children's Advocacy Center of Manhattan to assure that child victims receive the sensitive care they need and deserve. Mr. Richards is Co-Chairman of the Board.