YOUNGSTOWN Programs get honors for victims' advocacy

The award was begun to reward the efforts of those who help victims with nowhere else to turn.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning County Adult Protective Services and the Crisis Intervention Unit of the Youngstown Police Department are recipients of Atty. Clair M. Carlin's 2001 Outstanding Victims' Advocate Award.
The recipients were selected by a committee of social-work professionals headed by Pam Washington, victims' advocate at the Help Hotline crisis center.
Washington said the recipients are "fine examples" of victims' advocacy. The awards were presented at a breakfast reception this morning at Chrystal's Restaurant, 1931 Belmont Ave.
Carlin said he started the award three years ago as part of Victims' Rights Week.
"I see people every day who are hurt and have nowhere to turn. Victims' advocacy groups and individuals really help," he said.
Detective Sgt. Delphine Baldwin-Casey heads the YPD Crisis Intervention Unit, started in 1996, which helps women who are victims of domestic violence. Baldwin-Casey said she appreciates the award because it highlights another side to the police department. The unit provides services women wouldn't otherwise get, she said.
Adult Protective Services, a division of the Mahoning County Department of Job and Family Services, deals with violence, abuse, exploitation of seniors, and self-neglect by the elderly, said its supervisor, Krishmu Shipmon.
She said the unit, located at 709 Garland Ave., takes referrals from hospitals, physicians and individuals, and cases are assessed by social workers.