PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE CHEROKEE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
AND
CHEROKEE CHILD ADVOCACY COUNCIL, INC.
This agreement entered into on this 14th of May, 2026 by and between the Cherokee County Board of Education, hereinafter referred to as the “School Board” and Cherokee Child Advocacy Council, Inc., hereinafter referred to as “Council.”
WHEREAS, the School District’s mission is to educate the emerging generation through learning environments designed to increase the performance of all students; and,
WHEREAS, the Council’s child advocacy program at the Anna Crawford Children’s Center assists child victims of abuse in recovering from the trauma that they have experienced, including physical, sexual and psychological abuse; and exposure to violence. This assistance is provided in a variety of ways by specially trained professionals in the area of child abuse. All forms of evaluation and treatment are provided at no charge, in English and Spanish, in a child-friendly, trauma-informed atmosphere to help reduce anxiety that the child may be experiencing; and,
WHEREAS, the Council offers Darkness to Light group classes to raise awareness of the prevalence and consequences of child sexual abuse by educating adults about the steps they can take to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse. In addition, the Council offers Mandated Reporter training to ensure mandated reporters and anyone involved with children or families understand their organization’s reporting protocol, knows how to make a report of abuse and recognizes the signs of child maltreatment can help prevent further abuse from occurring.
Now, therefore in consideration of the covenants and conditions set forth herein the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
The parties agree that the foregoing recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference:
ARTICLE II
The School Board will:
1. Work in conjunction with Council’s representative in order to allow for program presentations at a Fall Principals’ Meeting.
2. Provide the opportunity for Council personnel to address School System counselors, social workers and teachers to explain their role in the partnership.
3. Promote Council programs through existing communication channels, as permitted by School Board Policy.
4. In conjunction with Council representatives, pursue grant opportunities that will benefit both parties’ interests.
ARTICLE III
The Council will:
1. In conjunction with the Office of School Leadership and Operations, provide the following services when referred by appropriate agencies (District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement officials, Department of Family and Children Services, etc.):
2. Counseling and therapy in a child-friendly environment at no cost to families.
3. Support groups provided for non-offending family members.
4. Education and training relative to the needs of the community.
5. Parents HELP classes for parents who could benefit from parent education.
6. Darkness to Light group classes for adults to raise awareness of the prevalence and consequences of child sexual abuse and to educate about the steps to take to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse.
7. Be responsible for any claims, judgments or demands occasioned by the acts of their employees, agents or actors.
8. Meet with School System principals and counselors to explain their role in the partnership.
9. Provide Crisis Intervention Support to students/School System personnel, as requested.
10. Provide information relative to Council programs to the School District, as requested.
11. Provide continued representation on Safe and Drug Free Schools Community Advisory Committee, if requested by the School District and if Council staff is available.
12. Provide continued counseling assistance to schools as requested.
13. In conjunction with the Office of Grants Management, pursue grant opportunities that will benefit both parties’ interests.
14. Provide Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition and Reporting training/information, as requested by the School District.
15. Accept all children/interested participants for participation within its programs without regard to their gender, race, political affiliation, age, national origin or handicapping condition or any other discrimination recognized and prohibited by State or Federal Law. Children/participants with handicaps must be provided all necessary levels of supervision and must be included within the activities of the partnering organization. As a result of this partnership agreement, the Council must adhere to all local, State or Federal laws regarding education.
ARTICLE IV
The term of this agreement is May 14, 2026 through May 14, 2027. This agreement shall automatically renew for additional terms not to exceed five years unless either party notifies the other at least 60 days prior to renewal date
ARTICLE V
This agreement may be terminated by either party upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other party with or without cause. All notice of this agreement shall be given to the Superintendent of Cherokee County Schools at PO Box 769, Canton, Georgia 30169, and to the Executive Director, Cherokee Child Advocacy Council, 9870 Highway 92, Woodstock, Georgia 30188.