Dear SCAN Community,

We know that vulnerable children and families are even more at risk of abuse and neglect during these times of crisis and SCAN is remaining active to protect children. SCAN and all who make up the backbone of SCAN truly are prepared for this because of our shared capacity to acknowledge and accept suffering and also hold the capacity for hope and love. I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the kindness, intellect, and flexibility that SCAN staff, volunteers, and donors all have employed to navigate the circumstances our community and the world are facing.

We have temporarily adjusted services with the safety of our staff, volunteers, clients, and community in mind.

  • The Child Advocacy Center is remaining open for emergency forensic interviews at this time. Trauma-Focused Treatment staff have shifted to providing therapy services for children and caregivers through telehealth. Staff continue to provide case management support to families.
  • SCAN’s Circle Preschool Program classroom is closed temporarily. Staff are remaining in touch with all children and caregivers through zoom, phone calls, Google Classroom, and telehealth therapy appointments. Additionally, staff put together calm kits that were delivered to children and are providing videos of activities and messages from staff.
  • Richmond CASA has adjusted to advocating for and protecting children in safe ways through zoom, phone calls, and participating in virtual court hearings.
  • The Family Support Program is continuing to provide parenting support through virtual parenting groups and support to individuals as needed.
  • Our Community Programs staff remains active in supporting school staff, professionals, and trauma-informed community network members through virtual trainings, guided meditations, and online resources.

At this point, we have and will continue to follow all guidance from our local, state, and national sources as well as continue to be nimble to innovate as time presents various challenges and opportunities. Our focus remains on how we can keep staff and the children and caregivers we serve safe. As a member of the SCAN community, thank you for your partnership and dedication to protecting children and building hope and resilience in our community through these difficult times.

Jeanine Harper
Carly Barrows-Compton Joins Child Advocacy Center
Trauma-Focused Treatment Team
Carly Barrows-Compton, MSW, LCSW, has been involved with SCAN for several years, but recently joined the SCAN team full-time as a Child Advocacy Center Trauma-Focused Treatment Therapist. The CAC TFT program offers high-quality, comprehensive mental health services to children who have been victims of child sexual and/or severe physical abuse and witnesses to violence. CAC TFT therapists also offer individual and group sessions for caregivers, and joint sessions for children and caregivers. This work is done through a trauma-informed and equity lens and services are available to families regardless of ability to pay. We are thrilled to have Carly’s expertise, passion for clinical work, and kindness as part of SCAN.

How did you first get involved with SCAN?
I became a SCAN volunteer during my undergraduate career at VCU and it was then that I discovered the amazing work being done by SCAN. As a survivor of childhood trauma, SCAN’s mission has always been very close to my heart. In 2012, I needed to complete an internship for my MSW program. When my initial internship didn’t work out, I sought out SCAN. Although they didn’t have any current openings, SCAN created an internship within the CASA program and I was with CASA for one year. Working with CASA was such a great experience as I learned so much about the court process while in this role. This knowledge continues to be helpful even now as I am better able to explain the court process to my clients and their families.

What has your life/work experience been that brought you to SCAN?
After graduating with my MSW from VCU, I became a social worker at VCU Health. I worked in the Emergency Department for two years and then with the Child Protection Team for three years. During this time I was reconnected with SCAN and the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) as I represented the Child Protection Team on various Multidisciplinary Teams. In 2017, I became an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and my passion for direct clinical work continued to grow. I was then hired as a part-time trauma-focused therapist at the CAC. In January 2020, I transitioned to a full-time position. 

What has been the best experience with SCAN so far?
Witnessing the progress that children and families are able to make with the support of SCAN staff is incredible. SCAN staff goes above and beyond to ensure families have what they need to be successful. It is such an inspiration to witness how resilient children and families can be in the face of the trauma they’ve experienced. I also appreciate the investment that SCAN makes to ensure ongoing professional development for staff.

Do you have any goals or hopes for the next year with SCAN?
Yes! I hope to continue to learn and grow as a clinician and gain certification in various treatment modalities. I’m also working to develop a teen girls support group that will cover topics such as: self-esteem, identity, healthy relationships, trauma, coping/stress management, communication and personal development. This group will provide a safe and supportive space for teen girls and aid in normalizing their experiences. 



Get Involved During National Child Abuse Prevention Month
The pinwheel is a happy, uplifting symbol of childhood and can be used in a 
number of ways to draw attention to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Pinwheels are the national symbol for child abuse prevention and the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign focuses on positive efforts to ensure that all children have the safe, stable, nurturing families they deserve. By promoting positive parenting and healthy families, EVERY child will benefit.

Plant your own pinwheel garden:

-Color a pinwheel to place in your window! Download this coloring sheet template or design one of your own.

-Get creative! Draw your own pinwheel garden with chalk for your neighborhood to enjoy or make pinwheels out of items around your house. Check out this make your own pinwheel project template for an idea.

- SCAN has pinwheels available for no contact pick up at our office or drop off (in the local Richmond area only). Contact Kasey Brach to order pinwheels . A $1 suggested donation is appreciated.

Share your pinwheels and pinwheel gardens by tagging SCAN on social media to show your support during April!
Join SCAN and our partners from across Virginia and the United States in wearing blue this Friday, April 3, 2020 as a visible commitment to preventing child abuse and creating happy, healthy, resilient childhoods! Snap a picture of you or your family wearing blue and share it on social media with the #weareblueday2020.
Thank You 2020 Blue and White Ball Attendees and Donors!



Thank you to everyone that attended and contributed to the 2020 Blue & White Ball! A special thank you to our Board of Young Professionals for organizing such a wonderful event.

This event helped raise over $30,000 to support SCAN's services.



Thank you to Sarah & Dave Photography for the beautiful photos.

Check out the Greater Richmond SCAN GRTICN Resilience Week VA website now for more information, flyers in Spanish and English, a social media kit and more about how you can get involved!  

There are ways to practice and build resilience right now:

Join SCAN's Margo Buchanan for a 6-minute guided meditation for children and families on SCAN's YouTube page . After the meditation, she introduces some family discussion questions and an activity for everyone to enjoy!






Sign up for SCAN virtual training happening this week:

Resilience Week t-shirts, long sleeved shirts and sweatshirts are now  FOR SALE!

**please note that shirts are available for purchase until April 4th 
to allow them to ship on time for Resilience Week** 

Note: Virginia TICNs and SCAN are not profiting from this campaign. Your purchase will fully fund the cost of your merchandise.

We thought there wasn't a better time to go ahead with launching sales for the Resilience Week gear to remind 
us of what resilience means. 
Protect a Child today with a gift to SCAN's Annual Fund.
Greater Richmond SCAN | 804-257-7226 | www.grscan.com