The Paola Police Department has announced a new countywide partnership with the Ad Astra Advocacy Center, in Ottawa, to enhance support for the most vulnerable residents: children and dependent adults. For many years, the investigations division of Paola PD, led by Lieutenant Marc Miller, has sought to provide a more holistic advocacy solution for victims of physical and sexual abuse. They recently established a multi-disciplinary team with their partners throughout Miami County and Ad Astra with this goal in mind.
Ad Astra Advocacy Center provides a safe environment for victims and witnesses of abuse to share their experiences, and they facilitate access to critical resources, including healthcare, mental health services, and ongoing support throughout the legal process.
Previously, Miami County received limited services from other providers based in Shawnee and Iola, with some additional resources from Kansas DCF. This limited service was primarily interviews for victims only, with no ongoing or follow-up care.
