In this powerful episode of In Their Words, we hear from Shannon Downey, Intake Services Director at Cumberland County Children and Youth Services. With a decade of experience in child welfare, Shannon offers an unflinching look at what it means to be one of the first responders in cases of suspected child abuse. She walks us through the high-stakes, emotionally demanding process her team undertakes—partnering with law enforcement, ensuring a child's immediate safety, and working alongside the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) in Harrisburg.Listeners gain insight into the critical role CAC plays beyond forensic interviews—from providing trauma-informed care and mental health coordination to being a vital training and support hub for caseworkers. Shannon reflects on the personal drive that keeps her in this field, the misconceptions the public holds about child protective services, and why community awareness and donor support are essential to sustaining this life-saving work. With stories of heartbreak, hope, and healing, this episode underscores the ripple effect of showing up for a child in crisis—and how the smallest acts of support can change the trajectory of a life.

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