THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 25, 1996 TAG: 9602230023
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
We were pleased to read your recent article on The Child Abuse Center of Hampton Roads. This facility, which opened in January 1995, is of great value to families in this area. In addition to providing expert evaluation of families and children by medical and psychological staff, the center is in a position to provide research on the causes of child abuse and on treatment approaches. This setting will provide a training ground for medical and social-work students, among others.
We were surprised that no mention was made of the clinical director, Dr. Alan Rountree. The original idea for the center came from Dr. Rountree's commitment to the treatment of abused and neglected children. He has been providing clinical services to these children for many years.
In addition he was an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Eastern Virginia Medical School, where he taught child and adolescent development and psychopathology to medical students and doctoral students in clinical psychology.
Dr. Rountree has also provided training to other Hampton Roads professionals dealing with the problem of child abuse. He has made services available to families in areas lacking sufficient resources to meet the needs of this sometimes indigent population. Dr. Rountree's commitment to abused and neglected children is unsurpassed. He is deeply appreciated by the professionals and families whom he serves.
ELIZABETH DURAND
Social Worker II
TERESA BOBBIO
Technical Advisory Committee/Child Abuse Center
Suffolk Department of Social Services
Suffolk, Feb. 12, 1996 by CNB