In this powerful episode of In Their Words, we hear from Shannon Downey, Intake Services Director at Cumberland County Children and Youth Services. With a decade of experience in child welfare, Shannon offers an unflinching look at what it means to be one of the first responders in cases of suspected child abuse. She walks us through the high-stakes, emotionally demanding process her team undertakes—partnering with law enforcement, ensuring a child's immediate safety, and working alongside the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) in Harrisburg.
Listeners gain insight into the critical role CAC plays beyond forensic interviews—from providing trauma-informed care and mental health coordination to being a vital training and support hub for caseworkers. Shannon reflects on the personal drive that keeps her in this field, the misconceptions the public holds about child protective services, and why community awareness and donor support are essential to sustaining this life-saving work. With stories of heartbreak, hope, and healing, this episode underscores the ripple effect of showing up for a child in crisis—and how the smallest acts of support can change the trajectory of a life.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Male Room with Dr. Jesse Mills
As Director of The Men’s Clinic at UCLA, Dr. Jesse Mills has spent his career helping men understand their bodies, their hormones, and their health. Now he’s bringing that expertise to The Male Room — a podcast where data-driven medicine meets common sense. Each episode separates fact from hype, science from snake oil, and gives men the tools to live longer, stronger, and happier lives. With candor, humor, and real-world experience from the exam room and the operating room, Dr. Mills breaks down the latest health headlines, dissects trends, and explains what actually works — and what doesn’t. Smart, straightforward, and entertaining, The Male Room is the show that helps men take charge of their health without the jargon.