MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp commended the work and dedication of the staff of Deirdre’s House, Morris County’s Child Advocacy Center, as they were designated by the New York Jets to be their “Courage House” through the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation (www.edblock.org).
The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to raising awareness and prevention for abused, neglected, and at risk children. The foundation defines a “Courage House” as a facility that provides support and quality care for abused children and their families in that community. The efforts of the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation, the NFL, the NFL Players Association, the NFL Alumni Association, NFL Films, the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society and the Pro Football Hall of Fame allow for the mission to flourish.
Deirdre’s House was officially designated as a “Courage House” on October 25, 2016. This recognition included a donation of $10,000 from the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation. Members of the Jets organization, including Safety Rontez Miles, and representatives of the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation were in attendance along with Prosecutor Knapp and members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit as Deirdre’s House received this prestigious honor.
The Prosecutor spoke about Deirdre’s House, the vital services the facility provides for abused, neglected, and at risk children, and the staffs dedication and commitment to the health and welfare of these children. Moreover, he praised the JETS football team for their ongoing support of Deirdre’s House.
Deirdre’s House was established in 1994. It is currently the only site in Morris County where a child victim can be interviewed and digitally recorded by law enforcement, medically examined and treated by a pediatric abuse specialist, prepared for trial, and clinically counseled.
After the event, Prosecutor Knapp said, “One of the many goals of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is prosecuting those who injure our children. Deirdre’s House provides a necessary platform towards that goal.”
