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LITTLE FLOCK -- Putting a training center in Benton County for social service workers and investigators of child abuse cases is still a prospect, 3rd District Rep. John Boozman said.

The Republican from Rogers was touring the Child Advocacy Center in Little Flock on Wednesday. The shelter for abused children is one of the groups that supports such a training center. NorthWest Arkansas Community College is the formal backer of the project who would administrate the center, one of only four of its kind in the United States, supporters say.

An appropriation of $500,000 is included in a recent budget bill, although $2.5 million was requested, Boozman said. "However, this project has very strong support from our senators," he said. "It's possible the full amount can be put back in."

The latest approved appropriation for the center is in the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriation Bill for 2009, which cleared the Senate Appropriations Committee on June 27.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College has formed a partnership with the Children's Advocacy Center, the National Association to Prevent Sexual Abuse of Children and Mercy Health Systems to set up a regional training center. The center would train social workers, teachers, nurses, psychologists, and law enforcement professionals to detect abuse, promote early intervention, and to provide support for victims.

The college will set up courses and include them in year associate degrees in those fields.