Kimberly Saltsman, executive director of the Mount Nittany Health Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Centre County, was honored this week with a statewide award for her efforts to protect kids from abuse and neglect.

Saltsman was named a PA Blue Ribbon Champion for Safe Kids by the PA Family Support Alliance at a ceremony on Tuesday in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg.

The award is presented annually during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April to individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support and protect Pennsylvania youth.

“It’s an honor to receive this recognition from the PA Family Support Alliance,” Saltsman said in a statement. “I’d also like to acknowledge the rest of the dedicated team at the CAC. They help to create a safe and supportive environment for children who have experienced trauma. I am so proud of the work done by the CAC to serve children who may have been victims of abuse or witnesses of other crimes.”

Saltsman has been with the CAC since it was founded in 2014, serving as a forensic interviewer before being named director in October 2023.

She conducted at least 260 child forensic interviews a year as a forensic interviewer and her work enabled agencies to conduct timely investigations, according to Mount Nittany Health.

“Her reputation as a skilled interviewer of children who have been victims of abuse or witnessed a crime has resulted in the respect of local and state law enforcement and organizations in surrounding counties,” Mount Nittany Health wrote in a news release.

Saltsman is one of four 2024 Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids, along with Crystal Long, of the Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center; Nancy Reitzel, of the Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center; Lisa Wilcox, of Sullivan County Children and Youth Services.

Prior to her tenure with the CAC, Saltsman worked for the Behavioral Health Division at CenClear; the Psychological Assessment Team at the Mental Health Center of Denver; the Juvenile Probation Department in Aurora, Colorado; and the Forensic Psychiatric Center at Pennsylvania’s Torrance State Hospital .

Over the last 10 years, the CAC has received nearly 3,000 referrals and completed more than 1,900 medical exams and 2,300 forensic interviews. Its investigative team includes two forensic interviewers with expertise in behavioral health and victim advocacy and pediatricians specializing in child abuse medical examinations, among others.

CAC staff coordinate multidisciplinary investigative responses, testify in court and are advocates for children throughout the duration of their cases.

To report known or suspected child abuse, call Pennsylvania’s 24-hour ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313 or your local police department.

From StateCollege.com, April 4, 2024