UTICA, N.Y. -- The Oneida County Child Advocacy Center, which handles investigations of child sexual abuse and initiates hundreds of cases each year, has received reaccreditation from the National Children's Alliance.

Accredited Children's Advocacy Centers must undergo a reaccreditation process every five years to make sure best practices are used.

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol said it's a special honor and testament to the center's work as they move forward.

"They're able to continue at the highest of professional levels for the services they provide to the children who are victims of abuse in Oneida County, and just to show their commitment and dedication to, like I said, protecting our children," said Maciol.

Center leaders were recognized at the Oneida County Board of Legislators meeting on Wednesday.