Mount Nittany Health is pleased to announce that Kim Saltsman, executive director of the Mount Nittany Health Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Centre County, received the Blue Ribbon Champion for Safe Kids Award from the PA Family Support Alliance. Saltsman was recognized during a special ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg, PA on April 2, 2024.

The Blue Ribbon Champion for Safe Kids Award is given to individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support and protect Pennsylvania’s children.

“It’s an honor to receive this recognition from the PA Family Support Alliance,” said Saltsman. “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 its inception in 2014, serving as a forensic interviewer until being named executive director in October 2023.

As a child forensic interviewer, Saltsman conducted an average of at least 260 forensic interviews annually, and her skillset has enabled agencies to move through investigations in a timely manner. 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.

Saltsman holds a bachelor of arts degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in forensic psychology from the University of Denver. She previously served in the Behavioral Health Division at CenClear, the Mental Health Center of Denver on the Psychological Assessment Team, the Juvenile Probation Department in Aurora, Colo., and at Torrance State Hospital in the Forensic Psychiatric Center.

Founded in 2014, the CAC has been a vital first step in the difficult journey to healing and hope for area children. Now in its 10th year, the CAC has received nearly 3,000 referrals and completed more than 1,900 medical exams, and 2,300 forensic interviews. The CAC has a highly skilled investigative team including two forensic interviewers who have expertise in behavioral health and victim advocacy and pediatricians specializing in child abuse medical examinations, among others. CAC staff coordinate the multidisciplinary investigative response, testify in court, and remain dedicated advocates for the child throughout the duration of their case.

If you know or suspect a child is experiencing abuse, please call Pennsylvania’s toll-free, 24-hour reporting ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313 immediately, or contact your local police department. You do not need proof of abuse to make a report.

From The Daily Herald, April 6, 2024