Children's Center of the Cumberlands

06/15/2026

💜 On this , we wear purple to stand with our partners and show support for older adults impacted by abuse.💜

Elder abuse affects 1 in 10 adults over the age of 60. In Tennessee, everyone is a mandated reporter of elder abuse, just as we all are with child abuse. 💜💙

If you suspect an older adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited in any way, you are required to make a referral to Adult Protective Services.

If you need help making a referral-> Contact the Scott County Family Justice Center in Huntsville -> 423-663-6638 and SAI Sexual Assault Care (423-539-6499).

💜 24/7 Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-888-277-8366

06/12/2026

🎉 Congratulations to the Scott County School System! 🎉

On June 10, 2026, our Prevention Education Coordinator, Destiny Jeffers, and Forensic Interviewer, Michelle Halstead, had the privilege of presenting certificates of completion to Scott County Schools for successfully implementing the Monique Burr Foundation Safety Program during the 2025–2026 school year. 🏫 📝 📚📘✏️

The following schools are pictured:
💙Burchfield Elementary School
💙Robbins Elementary School
💛Huntsville Elementary School
💛Huntsville Middle School
♥️Fairview Elementary School
♥️Winfield Elementary School
❤️Scott High School

Through this partnership, our prevention education team trained students in PK through the 12th grade on personal safety, bullying prevention, cyber safety, child abuse prevention, and other important topics designed to help keep children and youth safe and empowered.

Our curriculum, the Monique Burr Foundation Safety Program, fulfills the requirements for schools to be in compliance with Tennessee Code Annotated Title 37 and Erin’s Law, helping ensure that students receive age-appropriate, evidence-based safety education designed to prevent abuse and victimization.

We are incredibly grateful for the partnership and support of the Scott County School System for over 26 years. Together, we are making a difference by educating, empowering, and protecting the children of our community. 💙

ChildSafety ChildrensCenteroftheCumberlands ProtectingChildren BuildingSaferFutures

06/11/2026

June Newsletter is here! Inside you can find our monthly statistics, results from our 4th Annual Kellie Walker Memorial Casting for Help & Hope, and some information about Internet Safety Month! We have an announcement coming next month for something we are working on, so stay tuned!

06/11/2026

Grooming is a growing issue in the online world that is hurting our children, and others, in real life. Know the signs and report when you feel something is suspicious.

Internet safety is one of the most important conversations a caregiver can have and one of the most overlooked. The greatest online risks rarely look like danger. They look like friendship.

Online predators do not announce themselves. They build trust slowly through compliments, shared secrets, and gifts. They look for children who feel misunderstood, lonely, or eager for attention. And they work hard to stay hidden.

Know the warning signs:
• A child becomes secretive about their device or online activity
• Spends more time online than usual
• Unexplained gifts, money, or messages
• Is asked to meet up with someone they've met only online
• Shows sexual knowledge that is inappropriate for their age

Knowing what to look for is the first step in keeping children safe. If something feels off, trust that feeling. You do not need proof to start a conversation.

06/11/2026

06/11/2026

When parents model healthy boundaries, respect for others, consent, and open communication, children learn important lessons about relationships and personal safety. 💡🌟

The way adults respond to questions, respect a child's voice, and create trust at home can help build the foundation children need to recognize concerns and seek help when they need it.

Parents play a powerful role in prevention because some of the most important lessons are taught through everyday actions. 💙

06/10/2026

💜

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. 💜

Financial exploitation of older adults often doesn’t begin with theft—it begins with trust, manipulation, isolation, and undue influence. Friends, family members, caregivers, and others in positions of trust can gradually gain control over an elderly person’s finances and decisions without the victim realizing what is happening.

Learn the warning signs. Start the conversation. Help protect the seniors in our community.

If you suspect elder abuse or financial exploitation, report it to Adult Protective Services or local law enforcement.

06/09/2026

Calling on Scott County: Second Harvest is calling for volunteers for our monthly Mobile Pantry distributions! Our volunteers are a vital puzzle piece in the fight against food insecurity, and we couldn't do what we do without you!

The next Scott County Mobile Pantry will occur on 6/10 at 10:00 am.

Mobile Pantry: Scott County
This distribution occurs on the second Wednesday of each month.
Location: 19360 Alberta Street, Oneida, Tennessee, 37841
Event times: 11:00 AM until all allotted food is distributed
Volunteer times: Arrive at 10:00 AM, plan to stay until 12:30 PM

If you're interested in volunteering, please visit the link tree in our bio to register on Volunteer East Tennessee. Thank you!

06/08/2026

One of the most harmful myths about child sexual abuse is that it only happens “somewhere else.”

The reality is that child sexual abuse can happen in any community, regardless of income level, location, race, religion, or background. It can happen in neighborhoods that feel safe. In trusted spaces. In communities where people believe, “That would never happen here.”

Prevention starts when adults move beyond assumptions and choose awareness, education, and proactive action instead. Every child deserves safe environments. Every community has a role to play in protecting children. 💙

06/08/2026

Better late than never, we would like to wish our Program Assistant/Receptionist, Leah King Sexton, a happy 5th workiversary as of yesterday!🎉

Leah joined our Center back in 2021 and has been a tremendous addition! Leah is the first face that a child sees when they enter the building and she strives to create a kind, welcoming environment for them and their non-offending family members. More than likely, she is also who will be answering your phone calls! When she is able, she helps anywhere needed with a positive spirit! We love you and are so thankful that you are part of our work family🤍💙