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Highlands Today

Roth Looks Out For Abused Children

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

Jeff Roth is the director of the Children's Advocacy Center, which is located in downtown Sebring.

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Highlands Today Staff Report

Published: September 8, 2008

SEBRING - Jeff Roth credits his faith and family in keeping him grounded in a difficult job where he regularly deals with horrific cases of child abuse and neglect.

"From a Christian perspective, it's very rewarding to be the hand that reaches out to someone in need," said Roth, director of the Children's Advocacy Center. "I believe we are put on this Earth to use our talents to make it a better place. I have the opportunity to every day affect people's lives in a positive way."

Roth, who oversees a staff of 25 children advocates, connects victims with resources and also helps with preventative programs.

"We show people that there are people who care and will advocate for them and do everything we can to protect them," Roth said.

Roth, who has lived in Avon Park since he was 7, became director of the center in 2000 and has seen it grow significantly since then.

"When I got here we had a lot of worthwhile agencies in this building, but most of them had little or nothing to do with the mission of the Children's Advocacy Center," Roth said. "We also had quite a few vacant offices. Even some of our prime office space was empty when I got here."

As the center evolved, more agencies moved in filling up the center to the point that the quarters are now cramped. Roth recently announced plans for an 8,300-square-foot expansion that would double the size of the center.

The Children's Advocacy Center investigated 954 cases of child abuse or neglect last year, and Roth coordinates the services for those cases.

"I help track clients through the process to make sure all agencies coordinate their services and make sure no clients fall through the cracks," Roth said. "I also fulfill unmet needs for resources."

Roth works hand-in-hand with the Children's Services Foundation for funding new resources families that need.

Roth is always looking out for families in the community, but his own family is still a top priority.

"Being a dad is one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me," said Roth, the father of Noah and Rori. "I have two spectacular children who are smart, healthy and beautiful."

He also recently celebrated his 18{+t}{+h} wedding anniversary to his wife, Lanita.

"My family is very important to me," Roth said. "My family is what keeps me driven."

Roth is also involved in many community organizations, such as Take Stock in Children, United Way, Boy Scouts and Rotary.

"I try and associate with healthy, meaningful activities in work to divert my attention from dealing only with dysfunctional families in poverty or dealing with very difficult issues," Roth said. "Being involved in the community keeps me energized with the hard cases I have to face when I come to work."

He even combines the objectives of his work and activities. His small group at Union Congregational Church recently organized a seminar for people interested in become foster or adoptive parents, a need he sees through his career.

"It's great to merge the efforts of community service with a need I see in the community," he said. "Union Congregational Church has many members that are active in the community, and I think it gives us great insight into our local needs."

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