The Brigid Collins Family Support Center has received two emergency grants to improve access to child sexual-abuse treatment and prevention services for children in Skagit County.

The two grants were awarded by the United Way of Skagit County.

The first, a $5,560 grant, will cover equipment and training costs for a new colposcope for the Skagit County Children’s Advocacy Center in Mount Vernon, which is coordinated by Brigid Collins. Colposcopes are used during sexual-abuse investigations to examine and gather evidence from survivors.

Another $2,000 grant will allow the Mount Vernon office to upgrade its phone systems.

“Children who have been sexually abused deserve help immediately. They shouldn’t be forced to leave the county to find child-focused care,” said Byron Manering, Brigid Collins’ executive director, in a news release. “Thanks to the United Way, children in Skagit County will continue to have access to care that expedites their healing.”