About Us
MCAP is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Norristown, Pennsylvania, providing free legal representation and social services to children who are victims of sexual and physical abuse and/or gross neglect. MCAP advocates protect the interests of their young clients and offer them support and representation as they navigate through the legal arena. The goal of MCAP is to help children heal and learn to trust others.
MCAP was originally founded by former assistant district attorneys, Wendy Demchick-Alloy, Esquire and Risa Ferman, Esquire, and the President of the Montgomery Bar Association, Marc Steinberg, Esquire to address a critical need to have child victims of abuse and neglect represented by lawyers in the courtroom. As the program quickly gained broad based attention, a grassroots effort began, led by the Montgomery Bar Association and local attorneys for the program to become a separate nonprofit entity.
MCAP was formally incorporated as a nonprofit on August 6, 2004, and received confirmation of 501(c)(3) status from the IRS on December 16, 2004. During its first full year of operation as a non-profit corporation, MCAP trained 77 attorneys to be child advocates. In 2005, those 77 advocates represented 203 children in 123 cases. Since then, MCAP advocates have represented more than 1590 children in more than 990 cases.
Committed to helping at risk children, MCAP responds to the needs of the vulnerable children. MCAP advocates offer their expertise to represent the interests of the abused children to ensure their safety in and out of the courtroom. MCAP advocates are the voices for their young clients giving them the confidence to begin the healing process. An MCAP advocate becomes the child’s first step to overcome the horrific and devastating experiences.
Just as there is no “typical” child abuse case, there is no “typical” MCAP case. MCAP participates in a variety cases; such as medical neglect cases, transplant cases, abuse cases and dependency cases. MCAP advocates work closely with social service agencies, therapeutic agencies, educational programs and any other service care provider for a child throughout the course of a case.
MCAP is working…
MCAP helps children……
Think about “Lucy,” a 15-year-old sophomore whose 17-year-old brother has been sexually abusing her for two years. Since their parents’ divorce two years ago, Lucy’s brother has slowly manipulated and coerced her to perform sexual acts upon him. Although Lucy had complained about her brother’s overbearing behaviors, she had not openly told her parents. However, one day after a particularly embarrassing episode, Lucy confided to her guidance counselor that her brother had raped her. Once the incident was reported to the appropriate authorities, an MCAP advocate was appointed to represent her interests. With the help of her MCAP, Lucy was able to tell her story to the authorities and eventually testify at trial against her brother. Her brother was convicted of sexual assault and sentenced to a detention center where he is receiving necessary counseling. Meanwhile, Lucy is recovering through counseling, therapeutic support, and other essential services. Lucy’s MCAP advocate is her lifeline to overcome these atrocities.
Think about the 13-year-old eighth grader, Ted, whose drug addicted mother routinely bullied, berated, and beat her son. Most days when Ted came home from school, he did not know what to expect. Certainly, snacks and an interested caring mother were not ever even considered as possible options. One September evening, while high on drugs and alcohol, the abusive mother chased Ted throughout the house with a butcher’s knife accusing him of “eating all of the food like a piggy.” Frightened and alone, Ted ran to his neighbor’s home where the police were notified and his mother was eventually arrested. Within hours, an MCAP advocate was appointed to help Ted through this harrowing ordeal. With the help of his advocate and law enforcement, Ted moved to a trusted cousin’s home where he is loved. With his advocate by his side, Ted is able to face his mother and participate in the legal proceedings.
Think about the young 2-year-old who desperately needed surgery to correct a cleft palate abnormality else risk the loss of hearing. When the baby’s parents failed to attend 4 separate surgical dates, an MCAP advocate was appointed. Due to the MCAP advocates efforts, the baby successfully underwent surgery and has fully recovered.
Think about the 11-year-old girl whose stepfather rapes her routinely….
Think about the hungry and unwanted 10-year-old boy, whose mother physically beats him until he bleeds because he took $2.00 from her to buy some food….
Think about the parents whose drug and substance addictions need to be fed before their children….
As you can imagine, there are endless scenarios where MCAP advocates help needy children. What we can confidently say is that MCAP is working ……MCAP helps children.
Help make a difference and join MCAP for the Run for the Hill of It.
There are many of ways in which people can take part in this event. The event needs volunteers, especially people to help with parking and drink distribution. Also, businesses, law firms, families, or individuals can help to sponsor the event. Register and participate in the race or the walk. It you are unable to attend, donate. MCAP needs resources to continue its mission. Tax-deductible checks can also be made out to the charity for those who will not take part in the actual race. Call Mary Pugh at 610-279-1219 to find out how you can make a difference for “Lucy” or “Ted” or any child who will need an advocate.