JACKSONVILLE, Arkansas — When kids are abused or witness violence, there's a special place for them to get care and be questioned by police— it's the Children's Protection Center.
There previously was only one location in Pulaski County in Little Rock. However, for areas outside the city, it could be difficult to get kids to that location.
Now, there's a new location in Jacksonville that will help give them easier access to the help they need.
"There are all types of abuse that our kids have to endure and live with and we do everything we can, but we can't do it by ourselves," said Brett Hibbs, Jacksonville Police Chief.
Four years ago, there was a child who needed care from a children's protection center (CPC), but there was no way to get them to the Little Rock location.
So, the City of Jacksonville and CPC partnered to make sure hundreds of kids would have access to this kind of care.
"I've seen first hand the need and dealing with situations which no one should ever live through," explained Mayor Jeff Elmore of Jacksonville.
The first phase of bringing a functioning CPC is now complete, and the building features interview rooms to help make kids more comfortable while being interviewed.
There is also a room for kids to get a present after their visit and a pantry where they can get food and clothing.
Former First Lady Susan Hutchinson has spent her career helping children and was in attendance at the opening of the new center.
"We have a great answer. We have a great response now and in north Pulaski County we are going to be closer than ever," said Hutchinson.
The center will have two more phases of construction. Phase two will be expanding into the building next door. The last phase will renovate the exterior.