Abuse Intervention Center to remain in Lacey

Providence Swedish has reversed its decision to shut down the Abuse Intervention Center (AIC) in Lacey after child welfare advocates from Thurston, Mason, Lewis and Grays Harbor counties pushed back on the move.

The clinic dodged closure and will instead shift to a different staffing model under a new collaborative arrangement among community partner organizations. 

Community Action Council Executive Director Justin DeFour disclosed the reversal to The JOLT News last week.

"We've reached an agreement to keep the services in their current location, which is a real win for the communities we serve," DeFour wrote. 

Providence Swedish issued a statement on the same day last week, confirming the deal. 

"After more than 30 years of commitment from Providence to fund and staff the Abuse Intervention Center, the partner organizations will immediately begin the process of providing collective support of a collaborative effort, which will allow clients to continue being seen in the current CAC (Child Advocay Center) space using a different staffing model," the hospital system wrote. 

The turnaround came days after Monarch Children's Justice & Advocacy Center, and advocates from the four counties, issued a joint demand for the hospital system to reverse the closure. 

Providence Swedish South Puget Sound leadership met with community partner organizations, including Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason and Thurston Counties on Dec. 19 to discuss referral and operational processes going forward. 

"All partners mutually agreed that the continuation of these vital community safety net services is a collective responsibility," Providence Swedish wrote. 

No service interruption 

DeFour provided additional details in a statement to The JOLT News on Tuesday, Dec. 30. 

"While some details are still being finalized, we know services will not be interrupted," he said. "Children and families can continue to rely on the same high quality, trusted level of care they received prior to this transition." 

The new agreement guarantees the clinic stays co-located with Monarch at 3020 Willamette Drive NE in Lacey. 

"Every step currently underway is focused on service continuity, including hiring qualified personnel and finalizing necessary contracts," DeFour said.

"Ongoing work with the multidisciplinary team will continue to shape the path forward, with all partners aligned around maintaining uninterrupted services in the current location." 

DeFour called the collaboration a turning point. 

"Although Providence will no longer be in the business of running AIC, the opportunity it has created for these community partner organizations to collaborate has been an amazing experience that has made all the difference and will drive future success," DeFour said.

No other trauma-informed clinic exists in the region for children from birth through 18 years of age, who have experienced sexual or physical abuse, making the closure fight urgent. 

Monarch Children's Justice & Advocacy Center is the sole accredited Children's Advocacy Center in Thurston County, and takes referrals from Mason, Lewis and Grays Harbor counties as well.  

The co-location model allows forensic interviewers, therapists, victim advocates and medical professionals to coordinate child abuse cases under one roof. 

Looking ahead, the coalition is looking at fundraising options. 

"In parallel, we'll continue pursuing fundraising efforts that allow us not only to sustain these vital community safety net services, but to responsibly expand them over time as community needs evolve," DeFour said. 

Providence Swedish said it would share additional details as the new model takes shape. People interested in joining the effort can reach Monarch at info@caclmt.org.