Avera’s Central South Dakota Child Assessment Center Achieves Reaccreditation From National Children’s Alliance

PIERRE, (KCCR) — The Child Assessment Center at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre has been re-accredited by the National Children’s Alliance. The re-accreditation comes after a lengthy and extensive application and site review. The National Children’s Alliance awards various levels of accreditation and membership to centers like Avera’s that respond to allegations of child abuse in way s that are effective, efficient and put the needs of child abuse victims first. Accreditation is the highest level of membership provided by the National Children’s Alliance. Facilities like the Child Assessment Center must undergo re-accreditation every five years to make sure best practices are being used. The Central South Dakota Child Assessment Center has been providing services to abused and neglected children since 2006. The Center serves 24 counties in central South Dakota and approximately 300 children per year. Child Assessment Center Coordinator Angela Lisburg says the accreditation validates the center’s dedication to using proven approaches for child abuse intervention.