Zuelzke said Butterfly Bridge could arrange separate tours for groups and individuals that cannot attend a monthly tour.

Although Bridges of Hope tours are designed for adults with regard to how child abuse and related topics are discussed, the center conducts child-friendly tours as well, Zuelzke said.

“We ask that they schedule it in advance so that it does not interfere with the services we provide daily for the children,” she said. “We love to have people to visit our children’s advocacy center, which we feel is a very warm, child-friendly environment for the child abuse victims in our community. It is through the support of this community that we can have such a facility.”

Zuelzke said she has received positive feedback about the tours and their effectiveness.

“Most people leave here saying, ‘I had no idea so much of this is happening in our county,’” Zuelzke said. “They hate to see what is happening but feel very encouraged about the facility being here for children who need it.”

Those interested in attending a tour should RSVP by calling (205) 755-4205 or emailing jzuelzke@butterflybridgecac.org.

A list of scheduled tours can be found on the homepage of Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center’s website, ButterflyBridgeCAC.org, and on the center’s Facebook page.

The July 15 tour will be limited to the first 10 people who RSVP, preferably at least a day before the tour.

“It’s a very laidback tour,” Zuelzke said. “I want people to ask things so they feel like they’ve been well informed.”

Butterfly Bridge, formerly known as Child Protect, was founded and operated as a satellite office of Montgomery Child Protect for several years until center officials decided to make the Chilton County office an independent entity to suit its long-term needs.

The center is a non-profit organization—not a state agency—that relies heavily on community donations, grants and fundraisers to operate.

According to data from the center, in the first three quarters of the 2013-2014 fiscal year, staff at the CAC have conducted 73 forensic interviews with children at the request of local law enforcement and Department of Human Resources due to allegations or suspicions of abuse.

276 counseling sessions have been conducted with children, six non-offending parent/caregiver support groups have been held and 269 advocacy services have been provided, which includes advocacy at the time of the forensic interview, post-interview follow-ups, post-sentencing follow-ups, court preparation and court accompaniment.

The CAC also coordinates the local multi-disciplinary team of professionals who are involved in the investigation, prosecution and treatment.

272 cases have been reviewed by the local MDT. The cases are currently under investigation and/or are in the criminal justice system.

Total services for the first three quarters is 896.