PRINCETON — Child Protect of Mercer County has been awarded $750,000 in federal funding, according to two West Virginia lawmakers.
U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va. and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Monday announced $5,583,112 in federal funding for different agencies across West Virginia through the U.S. Department of Justice.
The funding awards will support services for children adversely impacted by the opioid crisis and its related crime, as well as for those currently struggling with addiction, Capito and Manchin said. It will also support the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault crimes, and improve engagement with victims.
Capito and Manchin said Child of Protect of Mercer County will receive $750,000 through the Enhancing Community Responses to the Opioid Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims program.
“As we continue to give our men and women in law enforcement the tools they need to bring drug dealers and violent criminals to justice, we must also remember the innocent victims of crime who may be affected by illegal acts,” Capito said. “The opioid crisis has brought its own unique issues to West Virginia, and we have worked in Congress to support local leaders as they reach out to those struggling with addiction and their families. This funding is a step toward offering a more holistic response to this crisis and violent crime in general, and I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to ensure West Virginia communities have the resources to respond to crime.”
“Every corner of the Mountain State has been impacted by the opioid epidemic," Manchin added. "Our families and communities need our support as we overcome this epidemic. I’m glad to see this significant investment in programs that do just that. On the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for these resources for West Virginians."