The Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center will expand its Near West Side youth services facility through a $9 million Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan approved today by City Council.

Located at 1240 S. Damen Ave., the center will erect a two-story, 16,500-square-foot addition to increase space for mental health services, staff training and administrative support for children traumatized by physical and sexual abuse.

“By providing additional resources to investigate and treat child abuse, the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center will be better equipped to promote healing and health among some of Chicago’s most vulnerable residents,” Mayor Emanuel said.

The center opened in 2001 through a consortium of city, county and state agencies to provide comprehensive services for abused children and their families in one location. The 25,000-square-foot building currently houses more than 130 mental health and public service experts that have treated 20,000 cases in the last 10 years.

The Public Building Commission will fund the remainder of the $9.5 million project.

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