Mission & Goals:

The Orleans County Child Advocacy Center and The Orleans County Special Investigations Unit
(OCCAC/SIU) is a multidisciplinary team that ensures children and families involved in sexual
abuse or egregious physical abuse cases receive constant child friendly services from law
enforcement, prosecution, protective services, including timely and effective education
counseling. These cases require special expertise in the area of investigation and services to
victims to enhance protection and to facilitate court proceedings. The OCCAC/SIU proactively
investigates these cases and emphasizes prevention through education and training. The
operations of the OCCAC/SIU promote cooperative efforts between municipalities, police,
prosecutor’s office, medical community, child protective services, schools, and other advocacy
groups.

Our Goals:

· Investigate reports of child and adult sexual assault and severe child physical abuse using specially trained investigators.

· Minimize further trauma to victims by providing a safe place to talk with investigators.

· Refer children and adult victims and non-offending family members to services designed to help them heal.

· Create public awareness of the challenges of child abuse through outreach and education.

Our Team:

Ryan Bjerke - Executive Director - Ryan.Bjerke@partner.vermont.gov

Abbey Lalime - Victim Advocate/Case Coordinator - abbey.lalime@partner.vermont.gov

Detective James Leclair - Newport Police Department

Detective Trooper Mark Pohlman - Vermont State Police

Detective Trooper Jason Danielson - Vermont State Police

Board of Directors:

Jennifer Barrett - Board Chair - Orleans County State's Attorney

Roxie Rivard -Board Vice Chair - Umbrella Advocacy Program Manager-North

Joe Malgieri - Former OCCAC ED, Retired Attorney

Abby Provost - SANE nurse, North County Hospital 

Sherrie Gentry - Principal, Orleans Elementary School

Lieutenant Jason Letourneau - Lt., Vermont State Police - BCI

Jay Simons - Board Vice President - DCF Director of Newport District Office

Steve Marsh - Chairman, Chief Executive Officer Community Bancorp. And Community National Bank, Retired

Jennifer Harlow - Orleans County Sheriff

Sergeant Travis Bingham - Chief of Newport Police Department