Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the questions we hear most often from families, donors, and volunteers.
Suspect Child Abuse? Report It. Call 1-800-252-5400 or report online at TXAbuseHotline.org.
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For Families Coming to the Center
What can I expect when I arrive?
When you arrive, press the button at the entrance to let our staff know you're there. For everyone's safety, the doors remain locked, and a staff member will buzz you in.
You'll be greeted in the lobby and shown to a comfortable waiting room, where our team will meet with you, explain what to expect during your visit, and answer any questions you may have.
Why was the child in my care referred to the Children’s Advocacy Center?
A child is referred to the Center by law enforcement or Child Protective Services (CPS) as part of an investigation into suspected child abuse.
The Center provides a safe, child-friendly place for the child to participate in a forensic interview while the agencies involved coordinate their response.
Our role is to make the process as child-centered as possible while connecting you and the child with the support you may need.
Can I contact the Center directly for services?
No. The Children’s Advocacy Center cannot accept direct requests for services from parents or caregivers. By law, a child must be referred to the Center by law enforcement or CPS.
If you suspect a child is being abused, visit our Report Abuse page to learn how to make a report.
What happens during a forensic interview?
A forensic interview gives the child an opportunity to talk with a specially trained interviewer in a safe, child-friendly environment.
The interview is child-centered and voluntary. The child meets with the interviewer privately while representatives from the agencies involved in the case observe from another room.
The interview is recorded so the child’s account can be shared with the appropriate professionals involved in the investigation.
While the interview is taking place, a Family Advocate meets with the child’s non-offending caregiver to answer questions, identify the family’s needs, and connect them with helpful resources.
Can I be in the room with my child during the forensic interview?
No. Only the child and the forensic interviewer are in the interview room. Parents and caregivers cannot watch or participate in the interview.
While your child is being interviewed, a Family Advocate will meet with you and help you understand the process and what may happen next.
Will my child have to keep repeating what happened?
One of the reasons the Children’s Advocacy Center exists is to help reduce the number of times a child has to tell their story.
During the forensic interview, the professionals involved in the case can observe from another room on a monitor.
The interview is also recorded, allowing the appropriate agencies to receive the information they need without requiring the child to repeat the same account separately to each one.
What is Family Advocacy?
Family Advocacy begins when a family first comes to the Center and continues throughout the life of the case.
Families work with the same Family Advocate throughout the process, giving them a consistent point of contact as the case moves forward.
The Family Advocate helps the child’s non-offending caregiver understand the process, identify the family’s needs, and connect with helpful resources and support. They stay in contact with the family through regular check-ins and can also provide support and accompaniment during court proceedings.
Does the Center provide counseling or mental health services?
Yes. The Center provides trauma-focused mental health services for eligible children and their families at no cost.
Depending on the child’s needs, therapy may include approaches such as child-centered play therapy, art therapy, and other trauma-focused methods designed to help children process what they have experienced.
Mental health services are completely voluntary, and there is no set time limit for how long a child or family may receive therapy. Non-offending caregivers may also be able to receive therapy and support.
When the Center does not have the capacity to provide services directly, families can be connected with outside mental health providers experienced in trauma-focused care.
Are services provided at no cost?
Yes. Services provided by the Children’s Advocacy Center of Parker County are available at no cost to the children and families we serve.
Who can see information about my family?
Information is limited to the agencies and professionals directly involved in the case and coordinated response.
Depending on the case, that may include law enforcement, CPS, prosecutors, medical professionals, mental health professionals, and the Children’s Advocacy Center team.
About the Children’s Advocacy Center
What does the Children’s Advocacy Center of Parker County do?
The Children’s Advocacy Center coordinates the response when child abuse is reported and a case is referred by law enforcement or CPS.
We bring the professionals involved in the case together while providing a child-friendly setting for forensic interviews, family advocacy and support, and trauma-focused mental health services.
This coordinated approach helps reduce additional trauma and makes it easier for children and families to get the support they need throughout the process.
Who qualifies for your services?
A child qualifies for services if they are under age 18 and are an alleged victim of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, or severe neglect.
The child and/or their family must be residents of Parker County to receive services.
How is the Children’s Advocacy Center different from CASA, OCOK, or CPS?
Each organization plays a different role in supporting children and families.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) provides trained volunteer advocates for children in foster care.
Our Community Our Kids (OCOK) coordinates foster care and related services in our region.
Child Protective Services (CPS) investigates reports of child abuse and neglect.
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Parker County coordinates the response to child abuse cases referred by law enforcement or CPS and provides forensic interviews, family advocacy, and trauma-focused mental health services.
These organizations may work within the same broader system, but each has a distinct role.
Does the Children’s Advocacy Center investigate child abuse?
No. Law enforcement and CPS are responsible for investigating reports of suspected child abuse.
The Children’s Advocacy Center works alongside those agencies by providing the setting and specialized services needed for a coordinated, child-centered response.
Donating & Volunteering
Why does the Center need donations if it works with public agencies?
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Parker County is not a public agency. Although we work closely with law enforcement, CPS, prosecutors, and other community partners, the Center depends on support from the community to continue providing services to children and families at no cost.
Your donation helps make this work possible right here in Parker County.
How will my donation help children in Parker County?
Donations help provide the people, resources, and services needed to respond when a child in Parker County has experienced abuse.
Your support helps the Center provide forensic interviews, family advocacy, trauma-focused mental health services, and a safe, child-friendly environment for the children and families we serve.
Learn more on our Donate page.
Can I volunteer at the Children’s Advocacy Center?
Yes. Visit our Volunteer page to learn about available opportunities, volunteer requirements, and how to submit your interest.