About Us
MCAP is a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Norristown, Pennsylvania, designed to provide free legal representation and social services to children of Montgomery County who are victims of sexual and physical abuse and/or gross neglect. MCAP advocate attorneys 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 to operate in conjunction with the Montgomery Bar Association, the Montgomery Bar Foundation, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and the Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office to address a critical need to have child victims of abuse and neglect represented by lawyers in the courtroom. The program quickly gained broad based attention and it became evident that it could no longer exist within the confines of the D.A.’s Office. A grassroots effort began, led by the Montgomery Bar Association in conjunction with the District Attorney’s and local attorneys to move the program out of the D.A.’s office and 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. In 2006, MCAP advocates represented 255 children in 146 cases. In 2007, MCAP advocates represented 251 children in 159 cases. Since 2005, MCAP has cumulatively represented 795 children in 514 cases.
Committed to helping at risk children, MCAP responds to the needs of the vulnerable children. MCAP advocates offer their expertise to represent the interests of the abused children to ensure their safety in and out of the courtroom. MCAP advocates are the voices for their young clients giving them the confidence to begin the healing process. An MCAP advocate becomes the child’s first step to overcome the horrific and devastating experiences.
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……
Think about “Jenny”,
a 7 year old girl and “Tommy”, a 9 year old boy, whose grandfather
babysat them for 4 years while their parents worked. These typical children
loved to play outside, ride bikes and roller blade like all other kids. During
the course of the babysitting, Gramps played pornography to the little ones
and then had Jenny and Tommy replay the horrific scenes. When Gramps was
arrested, the small children were pressured to change their stories because
Gramps “loved
them and could not go to jail.” With the help of the MCAP attorney,
the children were able to tell the gruesome story to the authorities and
Gramps was incarcerated. MCAP continues to support these children so
that they can begin the healing processes.
Think about “Jack” a 16 year old autistic high school student, constantly struggling to be understood by at least one person each day. Living with his parents and 25 year old brother, he should be protected in a safe loving home. Sadly, during a school assembly about strangers and the possibility of “good” touches and “bad” touches, Jack learns that his older brother has routinely been sexually assaulting him. Anxiously, Jack tries to tell the teachers of his older brother’s actions. After an investigation by authorities, the “family secret” is exposed. With the help of a devoted MCAP advocate, Jack has been removed from the destructive home and lives in a safe environment. To heal from the sexual, physical and mental abuses, Jack underwent surgery to repair his damaged body. He receives counseling, therapeutic support and other services essential for his recovery. Jack’s MCAP advocate is his lifeline to overcome these atrocities.
Think about the two 6 year old boys who presumably were in a safe setting when they were left at the Community Center of their Church by their parents. To the surprise and shock of the Church community, the pastor’s 19 year old son routinely performed oral sex on the children and cajoled the boys to do the same to him. Thankfully, an MCAP advocate represents the boys and is ensuring their safety. To promote the boys’ recovery, the advocate is diligently pursing rehabilitative services for them. In addition, the MCAP advocate is fortifying the boys’ confidence, so that if necessary, they will be able to testify against the 19 year old. Ultimately, the MCAP advocate is safeguarding the young boys.
Think about the frightened 9 year old girl who jumped off her bus, only to find no parent, friend or relative to greet her. An MCAP advocate now supports this little girl whose mentally unstable mother fled to Florida and whose father is an admitted Megan’s Law violator. She will be protected.
Think about the young 2 year old who desperately needed surgery to correct a cleft palate abnormality else risk the loss of hearing. When the baby’s parents failed to attend 4 separate surgical dates, an MCAP advocate was appointed. Due to the MCAP advocates efforts, the baby successfully underwent surgery and has fully recovered.
Think about the 13 year old girl whose stepfather rapes her routinely….
Think about the hungry and unwanted 11 year old boy, whose mother physically beats him until he bleeds….
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 “Jenny” or “Jack” or any child who will need an advocate.