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 2012, Children's Advocacy Center of Smith County has
facilitated
investigation of 6,087 cases of alleged child abuse,
provided services for 8,533 children and counseling for 1,256 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 agencies, Department of Family & Protective Services Child Protective Services, Smith County District
Attorney’s Office, medical and mental health communities
and East Texas Crisis Center began meeting to develop plans for the
program. The program was named Child Abuse Intervention
Program and was a part of East Texas Crisis Center. In January 1999, the Children’s
Advocacy Center of Smith County received its 501(c)(3) letter from the Internal
Revenue Service and became completely separate from East Texas Crisis
Center.
Children's Advocacy Center of Smith County brings children together
with law enforcement agencies and Department of Family & Protective
Services Child Protective Services investigators, prosecutors, therapists,
volunteers and medical personnel in one safe, child friendly place where
the children tell their story only once.
Children's Advocacy Center of Smith County is located at 2210 Frankston
Hwy, Tyler, Texas, in a 8,250 square foot building. In 2003, the building
was graciously paid for by an anonymous donor.
There are currently 69 centers in Texas. 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.
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