Suspect Child Abuse? Report It. Call 1-800-252-5400 or report online at TXAbuseHotline.org.
The Response Team
When child abuse is reported, several agencies become involved, each with a different role. Together, they form the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).
Along with our staff, the team includes law enforcement, CPS, prosecutors, medical professionals, and mental health providers. We share information, coordinate next steps, and determine how best to protect the child.
Our role is to keep the response on track while providing trauma-focused therapy, advocacy, and ongoing support for the child and family.
THE CHILD'S JOURNEY
What to Expect When You Visit Us
When a child is referred to our Center, our team is there from the moment they step through the door, providing support throughout the investigation and beyond.
While each child’s experience is unique, most follow a path like the one below.
Your First Visit
Watch this short video with your child or teen before your appointment to see what happens during a first visit.
Knowing what to expect can make an unfamiliar experience feel a little less scary.
While every case is different, the goal is the same: to protect and support the child.
How We Help Children & Families
All services are provided at no cost to the families we serve.
Forensic Interviews
Giving children a safe place to be heard.
A forensic interview is a voluntary conversation between a child and a trained forensic interviewer about what the child experienced or witnessed.
This gives our team a clearer understanding of what happened, informs the investigation, and helps determine what therapy, advocacy, and other services the child and family may need.
During the interview, select members of our investigative team watch on a monitor from another room and gather the information they need. This minimizes trauma and reduces the need for the child to repeatedly recount difficult experiences.
The whole experience, including the interview room, is designed to help the child feel at ease—from comfortable furniture to a weighted stuffed animal they can hold during the conversation.
Family Advocacy & Support
Helping families navigate what comes next.
From the moment a family enters our doors, our Family Advocates are there to answer questions, explain what to expect, connect them with resources, and coordinate the services they need.
They also help families navigate the investigation, child protection, and legal process, including medical appointments and court when needed, while providing ongoing guidance along the way.
As a result, families understand what’s happening, know what they need to do next, and have someone in their corner throughout the process.
Mental Health Services
Restoring safety, stability, and hope.
Specializing in trauma-focused therapy, our on-site mental health professionals help children and adolescents process traumatic experiences, manage difficult emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and build healthy relationships.
Therapy may include:
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
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Child-centered play therapy
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EMDR therapy
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Art therapy
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Sand tray therapy
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Child-Parent Relationship Therapy
Non-offending caregivers also receive therapy to strengthen their relationship with their child and support healing at home.
Therapy is available for as long as the child and family need it.
How Trauma-Focused Therapy Helps
Watch this short video to learn how trauma can affect a child’s emotions and behavior, and how the therapy we provide can help.
Understanding what your child may be experiencing can help you better support them through the healing process.
Who Qualifies to Receive Services?
Children under 18 who are alleged victims of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, or severe neglect may qualify for services.
Advocacy and therapy are also available to family members. Participation is voluntary, and either the child or their family must live in Parker County to be eligible.
Community Education
Protect children before abuse occurs.
We provide Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse training at no cost for organizations throughout Parker County, including:
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Schools
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Childcare providers
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Faith communities
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Businesses
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Civic organizations
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Community groups
You’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to recognize, respond to, and report suspected child abuse—and better understand what you can do to help protect children in our community.
How You Can Help Children & Families
The care and coordination you’ve read about on this page relies on the support of people just like you throughout Parker County.
92¢ of every dollar donated to the Children’s Advocacy Center goes directly toward programs benefiting children.
Whether you give financially, volunteer your time, or help raise awareness, there’s a place for you in the work we’re doing for children and families throughout Parker County.
Still Have Questions?
You ’re not alone. Families often have questions about what to expect, so we’ve answered the ones we hear most often.
If you can't find an answer to your question, feel free to call us at 682-615-1992 or fill out our contact form.