About Us
MCAP is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Norristown, Pennsylvania, providing free legal representation and social services to children who are victims of sexual and physical abuse and/or gross neglect. MCAP advocates protect the interests of their young clients and offer them support and representation as they navigate through the legal arena. The goal of MCAP is to help children heal and learn to trust others.
MCAP was originally founded by former assistant district attorneys, Wendy Demchick-Alloy, Esquire and Risa Ferman, Esquire, and the President of the Montgomery Bar Association, Marc Steinberg, Esquire to address a critical need to have child victims of abuse and neglect represented by lawyers in the courtroom. As the program quickly gained broad based attention, a grassroots effort began, led by the Montgomery Bar Association and local attorneys for the program to become a separate nonprofit entity.
MCAP was formally incorporated as a nonprofit on August 6, 2004, and received confirmation of 501(c)(3) status from the IRS on December 16, 2004. During its first full year of operation as a non-profit corporation, MCAP trained 77 attorneys to be child advocates. In 2005, those 77 advocates represented 203 children in 123 cases. Since then, MCAP advocates have represented more than 2,100 children in over 1,100 cases. Where would these vulnerable children be without the help of MCAP?
Just as there is no “typical” child abuse case, there is no “typical” MCAP case. MCAP participates in a variety cases; such as medical neglect cases, transplant cases, abuse cases and dependency cases. MCAP advocates work closely with social service agencies, therapeutic agencies, educational programs and any other service care provider for a child throughout the course of a case.
MCAP is working…
MCAP helps children……
Consider the young seven-year-old boy who went to Kindergarten, his very first encounter at school. Sitting among eager and quick-minded four and five-year-olds, he was educationally inferior, unable to recognize letters or numbers. When the little fellow began to miss much school, truant officers were contacted. An MCAP child advocate was appointed to ensure the safety and well-being of the boy. Within less than one week, the MCAP attorney discovered that the boy lacked medical and dental check-ups, his mother was a severe alcoholic, and his father was just trying to work and keep the family together. Within six-months, the MCAP advocate obtained a consent agreement where the mother moved out of the family home and was attending alcohol rehabilitation; the father was attending parenting classes. Additionally, besides being up to date with the doctor and dentist, the young fellow was involved in an intense educational tutoring program to try and get him educationally up to speed. With the help of his MCAP advocate, the boy now resides in a safe, secure, and loving setting with the hope of a bright future.
Consider young “Lily” (actual names are not contained herein), a shy eight-year-old girl whose eleven-year-old brother, “Jack,” had been sexually molesting her. Imagine the turmoil of the parents who had no idea that their young daughter was a victim at the hands of their own son. Once law enforcement became involved, the family’s chaos turned toxic. An MCAP was appointed to ensure the well-being and safety of Lily. With the help of the MCAP, the family is in counseling. In the best interests of the family, Jack entered into an agreement with the District Attorney’s Office to participate in a specialized intense counseling program. Likewise, Lily is in counseling and thriving, knowing that her family will survive this mayhem and perhaps be stronger.
Think about the 8-year-old girl whose stepfather rapes her routinely….
Think about the hungry and unwanted 10-year-old boy, whose mother physically beats him until he bleeds because he took $2.00 from her to buy some food….
Think about the parents whose drug and substance addictions need to be fed before their children….
As you can imagine, there are endless scenarios where MCAP advocates help needy children. What we can confidently say is that MCAP is working ……MCAP helps children.
Help make a difference and join MCAP for the Run for the Hill of It.
There are many of ways in which people can take part in this event. The event needs volunteers, especially people to help with parking and drink distribution. Also, businesses, law firms, families, or individuals can help to sponsor the event. Register and participate in the race or the walk. It you are unable to attend, donate. MCAP needs resources to continue its mission. Tax-deductible checks can also be made out to the charity for those who will not take part in the actual race. Call Mary Pugh at 610-279-1219 to find out how you can make a difference for “Lily” or any child who will need an advocate.