The Clermont Police Department recently announced the opening of a Children’s Advocacy Center satellite office, thanks to cooperation with the Lake Sumter Child Protection Team.

This partnership will help reduce transportation time and cost for families residing in the South Lake County area, as they can now receive Child Protection Services (CPT) services in Clermont.

CPTs are independent, community-based programs that provide expertise in evaluating alleged maltreatment, child abuse and neglect. They assess risk factors and recommend interventions to protect children and enhance families’ capacities to provide a safe environment when possible.

CPT services supplement the child protective investigation activities of the Department of Children and Families and law enforcement. The Department of Health coordinates CPT services through contracts with local community-based programs.

The Clermont Police Department released a statement saying it looks forward to this partnership and the invaluable resources it brings.