CHILLICOTHE, OH – The Child Protection Center of Ross County has officially rebranded as The Garden Family Advocacy Center, marking a significant shift in its mission to serve both children and their non-offending family members.
Since 1996, the organization has provided critical services to children in Ross County who have experienced sexual and physical abuse. Over time, its reach has expanded to surrounding counties, leading the Board of Directors and Executive Director Rhiannon Gill to adopt a new name that better reflects its broader impact.
The advocacy center assists with child abuse assessments through referrals from law enforcement, child protective services, and medical providers. However, the previous name often caused confusion with Child Protective Services under the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
The rebranding emphasizes the center’s multi-disciplinary approach, rooted in the National Children’s Alliance standards, to minimize trauma, build resilience, and promote well-being for children, families, and communities.
“The Garden Family Advocacy Center cultivates an environment where healing takes root and restoration flourishes,” the organization stated in its announcement.
Expanded Services & Community Support
In addition to child abuse and neglect assessments, The Garden Family Advocacy Center offers:
- Prevention education for schools and professionals working with children
- Court-ordered supervised visitation
- Child therapy
- Support for survivors of human trafficking
The center is funded by organizations such as The United Way, National Children’s Alliance, Victims of Crime, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Ohio Network of Child Advocacy Centers, Ohio Children’s Trust Fund, Appalachian Children’s Coalition, and private donors.
Executive Director Rhiannon Gill emphasized the organization’s role in fostering long-term change:
“The key to systemic change is through children. The more positive adult interactions a child has, the greater the possibility of overcoming trauma. It is our duty as a child advocacy center to help reduce trauma and promote healthy families.”
The Garden Family Advocacy Center is located at 138 Marietta Rd, Ste E, Chillicothe, Ohio, 45601. For inquiries, contact Rhiannon Gill at 740-779-7431.
