VCAP Press Conference

On Friday, March 21st, 2025, a press conference was held at Center for Victims, in Pittsburgh, to highlight the importance of the proposed 2025-26 state budget for the Victim's Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) and the critical role programs supported by VCAP play for victims and survivors of crime. A Child's Place, PA (ACP) Director of Programming Dee Dee Blosnich-Gooden attended and spoke about how VCAP has supported the services ACP provides to child survivors of abuse to aid them on their healing journeys.

The Shapiro-Davis administration's proposal to provide an additional $9 million investment in VCAP would directly benefit the population ACP serves. VCAP supports the costs of our forensic medical exams, as standard medical reimbursement does not begin to cover costs. Medical exams are always recommended for all patients, as it offers parents and children a chance to speak with a specialized medical professional about very sensitive issues pertaining to health and development. Because of VCAP, ACP can offer sexual abuse exams to all the children we serve, at no cost to them.

"Our expert child abuse pediatricians and nurse practitioners take the time to talk with children and their families about healthy relationships, boundaries, and sexual and physical development. Most importantly, our medical staff assures kids that what happened to them, does not define them."

Speakers also in attendance consisted of Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, Laurie Macdonald (President/CEO of Center for Victims), Ebony Saunders (VCAP Recipient), Michelle Gibb (Executive Director at Alle-Kiski HOPE Center), Sadie Restivo (Executive Director of Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR)), Maggie Prescott (Chief of Mission Integration at Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh), and Grace Coleman (President and CEO of Crisis Center North).

Click the video below to watch the full duration of the press conference and learn more about how VCAP has supported crime victims as they heal from the trauma they have experienced.