NORWICH – Last Friday, a new Child Advocacy Center opened in downtown Norwich to serve as a hub for those responding to violence and sex abuse crimes against children.

The center’s new home is the former St. Bartholomew Church’s rectory building at 8 Silver St. in Norwich. Friday’s ceremony began with a blessing by Father Ralph Bove.

New York State Assemblyman Clifford W. Crouch of the 107th District presented a proclamation from the legislature honoring the center.

“This is something all of the county can be proud of. A place where children can be offered compassion, something they unfortunately don’t always see,” said Crouch.

The Child Advocacy Center is operated by Catholic Charities of Chenango County as part of its Crime Victims Program.

Catholic Charities Executive Director Jane Coddington said moving the center from inside the organization’s main building across the city at 3 O’Hara Dr. to its own building had been planned since 2002. Coddington singled out the work of Child Advocacy Center Supervisor Tim Hagen and Crime Victims Program Director Dan Auwarter for their dedication in addressing the needs of victims.

The ceremony also presented appreciation plaques to New York State Police Sgt. Michael Layman, Child Protective Service Supervisors Kathy Lavoie and Beth Beers, Chenango County Sheriff Ernest R. Cutting and Norwich Police Chief Joseph Angelino.