A Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) is a child friendly community-based non-profit organization established whose purpose is to improve the way the community responds, investigates, and supports child abuse victims and their families. Alleged child abuse victims and their families can receive  services to ease the trauma and help  in the healing process.  The CAC utilizes  effective fact gathering method which leads to prosecution or swift exoneration and a neutral environment of trained professionals coming together to eliminate any  undo further harm to the alleged child victims and their families. ​

TEXAS MANDATORY REPORTING REQUIREMENT:


Persons must report child abuse if they have cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been adversely affected by abuse or neglect. Reports must be no later than 24 hours after first suspecting the abuse.

Reports can be made to any local or state law enforcement agency, and the Department of Family and Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400 or through https://www.txabusehotline.org, the state agency that operates, licenses, certifies or registers the facility in which the alleged abuse or neglect occurred, or the agency designated by the court to be responsible for the protection of children.

SERVICES PROVIDED:


  • Crisis Intervention
  • Electronically recorded forensic interviews*
  • Advocacy for victim and their protective family members through civil and/or criminal justice systems
  • Accompaniment to medical, criminal justice, civil, or other appointments
  • Confidentiality and ongoing support
  • Coordination of Multidisciplinary Team Investigations with Case Review
  • Counseling Services
  • Referrals to supporting service agencies
  • Financial assistance
  • Assistance with Crime Victim's Compensation and Victim Impact Statements
  • Enhancement of awareness and education of community on child sex trafficking, abuse, neglect, and maltreatment

 *Forensic Interviews conducted by professionally trained staff as part of a criminal and/or Department of Family & Protective Services investigation in accordance with state law & accreditation standards