| Please choose from the following frequently
asked questions to learn more.
Why is the Children’s Advocacy Center necessary?
How is the CAC different than other children’s
agencies?
Does the CAC duplicate other services?
Who does the CAC serve?
What is the CAC’s operating budget?
Does the CAC charge for its services?
Where are you located?
Are there other similar centers in the state?
How are children referred to the CAC?
How can I become involved in the CAC?
Why is the Children’s Advocacy
Center necessary?
Before there was a Children’s Advocacy Center, child victims of
physical and sexual abuse were forced into the adult criminal justice
system. The CAC exists to minimize this trauma and assist families as
they take each step in the criminal justice process. Children were forced
to tell their “story of abuse” through unnecessary interviews
due to each agency’s independent process.
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How is the CAC different than other
children’s agencies?
The CAC collaborates with Child Protective Services, Smith County Criminal
District Attorney’s Office, Law Enforcement, Medical Personnel,
Therapists and Community Volunteers. The cases worked through the center
are criminal.
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Does the CAC duplicate other services?
No. There are no programs in Smith County that facilitate child abuse
investigations through the collaboration of different agencies.
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Who does the CAC serve?
The CAC serves children birth through 17 years of age who have been either
physically or sexually abused. The cases are referred to the center by
law enforcement and Child Protective Services.
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What is the CAC’s operating budget?
In 2006, 45% of the budget came from government grants, 35% from
private contributions and 20% from community organizations.
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Does the CAC charge for its services?
The CAC does not charge for our services. When a child is referred to
the CAC, there is no charge to the families. Our services are provided
in cooperation with law enforcement in Smith County, Child Protective
Services, Smith County Criminal District Attorney’s office, East
Texas Medical Center, Trinity Mother Frances Hospital, CAC staff and others.
These services are funded though sources including individual gifts, government
grants and community support.
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Where are you located?
The CAC is located at 2210 Frankston Hwy, Tyler 75701.
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Are there other similar centers in the state?
Children’s advocacy centers serve 92% of the state’s child
population. Of the 254 counties in the state, 148 are in official service
areas of children’s advocacy centers. In 2005, 35,692 children in
Texas were served by a center.
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How are children referred to the
CAC?
Children are primarily referred to the CAC through two agencies, Child
Protective Services and law enforcement.
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How can I become involved in the
CAC?
Volunteers are an essential part of the CAC’s ability to provide
services to the children of Smith County. Because of the range of professionals
working together at the CAC, we offer a wide assortment of volunteer opportunities.
For more information on volunteer opportunities, please contact the Volunteer
Coordinator at (903) 533-1880.
The CAC is a non-profit agency and welcomes financial contributions.
If you are interested in making a donation, call the center at (903) 533-1880.
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Include on this page: Links to the donate now page, links to the
volunteer now page |
