Hamilton County expands services for victims of child & elder abuse

Three-year partnership with Cherish Center provides specialized support 24/7

Victims of child and elder abuse in Hamilton County will have greater access to specialized services around the clock through a new three-year partnership approved by the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners.

The agreement with the Cherish Center, a nationally accredited child advocacy center in Carmel, will provide specialized forensic interviewing and victim advocacy services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The services will support victims as well as law enforcement agencies and the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office as they investigate allegations of abuse.

Altman

“Our goal is to make sure victims and the professionals helping them have the resources they need when they need them most,” Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman said. “We want victims to have access to highly trained professionals in a safe, supportive environment right here in Hamilton County.”

The county will invest up to $619,800 over the three-year agreement, which runs from Jan. 1, 2027, through Dec. 31, 2029. The agreement is the first formal contract between Cherish and a government entity in Hamilton County.

Cherish Center served 302 victims of reported child and elder abuse in Hamilton County in 2025 alone.

REPORT CHILD ABUSE: Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-800-5556.