The Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County is dedicated to child victims of physical and sexual abuse and strives to reduce trauma through a unified effort that facilitates thorough investigations, effective prosecutions and the healing of the children and their families.

From 1996 through 2007, the Children’s Advocacy Center has coordinated and investigated 4,717 cases of alleged child abuse and provided services for 6,686 children and counseling for 851 children.

History
In 1994, concerned community members began to discuss the development of a child abuse program in Smith County. A steering committee formed of law enforcement, Child Protective Services, the Smith County District Attorney’s Office,  the medical and mental health communities, and the East Texas Crisis Center began meeting to develop plans for the program.  The program was named the Child Abuse Intervention Program and was a part of the East Texas Crisis Center. In January 1999, the Children’s Advocacy Center received it’s 501(c)(3) letter from the Internal Revenue Service and became completely separate from the East Texas Crisis Center.

The CAC brings children together with law enforcement and Child Protective Services investigators, prosecutors, therapists, volunteers and medical personnel in one safe, child friendly place where the children tell their stories only once.

The CAC is located at 2210 Frankston Hwy in Tyler, Texas in a 8,250 square foot building. In 2003, the building was graciously paid for by an anonymous donor. The building is in need of expansion and renovation.  The CAC is currently involved in a capital campaign to raise the funds.

There are currently 63 centers in Texas. The Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County is a member of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, Inc., an accredited member of the National Children’s Alliance and a United Way agency.