JERSEYVILLE – A local nonprofit helping youth victims of abuse recently got a financial boost from Jerseyville city officials.
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City Council members unanimously approved a $5,000 contribution to the Unified Child Advocacy Network (UCAN) at their Feb. 17, 2026 meeting. UCAN’s mission is to serve, protect and advocate for children affected by sexual and serious physical abuse, and to educate the community about child abuse.
UCAN conducts forensic interviews with these victims in a child-friendly environment to help local police departments investigate cases of abuse. The organization also helps the affected children and families seek counseling, medical attention, and other services.
Jerseyville Police Chief Danny Green said UCAN handles the department’s forensic interviews with child victims of abuse and described the organization as an extremely valuable asset to the community.
“Having them here in town is huge for us, the [Police] Department,” Green said. “Before, they had to go to Edwardsville and that’s just not good for the child either – they’d have to travel and it’s already a stressful situation for them, so it’s a good resource for us to have it here, for sure. We’re glad we have them.”
Based in Jerseyville, UCAN serves several counties in the area, including Jersey, Calhoun, Greene, Macoupin, and Montgomery Counties.
