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Seized drug money to help abused children
From staff reports
Just in time for Christmas, the Children's Advocacy Center for Denton County (CACDA) received a $150,000 check today as part of Sheriff Benny Parkey's distribution of the Sheriff's Forfeiture Fund, which consists of drug money seized from successfully-prosecuted criminal cases.
Parkey said that historically the use of forfeited funds was limited to law enforcement purposes such as buying ammunition, vehicles, and equipment, but that a change in state law made it possible to use them for abuse victim services also.
"There is no higher purpose than to assist the children that have been victimized in our county," he said.
Dan Leal, CACDA Executive Director, said the funds will help fill a critical gap.
"We are very happy to get this check," he said. "With our recent cuts in United Way of Dallas' funding, county social services funds, and the loss of a federal grant for our forensic nursing program, this contribution by the Sheriff's Office comes at a great time to help us deal with the increasing number of children who are being identified as victims of child sexual abuse in our county."
A total of $481,785 of forfeited funds is being given to 18 police agencies in the county and five constable offices, as well as the Advocacy Center.
Parkey said that historically the use of forfeited funds was limited to law enforcement purposes such as buying ammunition, vehicles, and equipment, but that a change in state law made it possible to use them for abuse victim services also.
"There is no higher purpose than to assist the children that have been victimized in our county," he said.
Dan Leal, CACDA Executive Director, said the funds will help fill a critical gap.
"We are very happy to get this check," he said. "With our recent cuts in United Way of Dallas' funding, county social services funds, and the loss of a federal grant for our forensic nursing program, this contribution by the Sheriff's Office comes at a great time to help us deal with the increasing number of children who are being identified as victims of child sexual abuse in our county."
A total of $481,785 of forfeited funds is being given to 18 police agencies in the county and five constable offices, as well as the Advocacy Center.
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