We respond to every severe child abuse case under investigation by law enforcement or the Department of Family and Protective Services, providing six core services of Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Coordination, Forensic Interviews, Mental Health Services, Family Advocacy Services, Forensic Medical Exams, and MDT Case Review in three counties. We are the ONLY organization in Denton, Wise, and Jack counties to offer these wraparound services when a child becomes a victim of a severe crime.
We provide critical, no-cost victim services to child victims ages 0-17 and their non-offending family members in English and Spanish (with other languages available through a contracted translation service) because child abuse occurs regardless of gender, racial and sexual identity, or socioeconomic status.
We read every report made to the statewide Child Abuse Hotline at the same time as DFPS and law enforcement investigators, coordinating every case meeting criminal criteria with the investigators. And, we hold weekly case reviews so that every case is followed through the system from initial report through resolution. One of the key purposes of the Advocacy Center is to ensure that every child who has experienced abuse receives all recommended services, so we track from referral to service provision, ensuring that no child falls through the cracks or gets lost in the system.
After a child participates in a forensic interview scheduled in support of an open investigation by law enforcement or DFPS, the family is referred for services including family advocacy services, medical services, and evidence-based, trauma-informed counseling.
Family Advocates guide and educate families through the complex undertaking after a child victim makes an outcry. As each case proceeds through the investigation, prosecution, and healing process, the Advocate helps the family understand the process, learn about their rights, and access resources to aid their family during the crisis.
Medical services are offered on-site to all clients aged 0-17. Our Sexual Assault Nurse Exam (SANE) certified medical staff provide sexual assault and physical assault exams as well as head-to-toe wellness exams, follow-up exams, and health education. We also provide no-cost prescriptions and laboratory collection in support of sexual or physical assault investigations.
The Advocacy Center’s team of licensed professional therapists provides trauma-informed counseling to the child victim and their family members, working to overcome challenges, build a positive self-image, develop boundaries, and build healthy relationships through weekly sessions and regular communication.
Finally, we provide free educational training programs to caregivers and others across our community such as businesses, childcare centers, schools, and churches to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect, to aid in the prevention, recognition, and responsible reaction to possible abuse situations, and to teach effective methods to talk with children about personal and online safety.
