Children's Assessment Center Foundation

The CAC offers a variety of services ranging from crisis intervention and psychological evaluations to group, family and individual therapy of child victims, siblings and non-offending caregivers. Utilizing a holistic approach helps restore the children's sense of self, comfort and safety. Expressive therapies including play, movement, art and music therapies allow children to express their feelings in creative ways. Therapy teaches children that they are not alone, helps them understand that the abuse is the responsibility of the offender, and ultimately provides a healthy, guilt-free way to avoid long-term trauma. Upon referral, every child is evaluated and therapists, caseworkers, the victim's family and/or caregivers design a unique, coordinated treatment plan. Regular review meetings are conducted throughout treatment to monitor progress.

Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital make a significant difference in the lives of abused children in our community. Under the direction of Dr. Michelle Lyn, Professor of Pediatrics with Baylor and Chief of the Child Protection Section with TCH, children receive the highest quality of care by skilled physicians. These dedicated doctors provide the sexual assault exams and unimpeachable expert testimony that is needed in court. Pediatric physicians administer sexual abuse and sexual assault examinations, utilizing state-of-the-art, non-invasive equipment. This helps minimize the child’s discomfort and fear during the exam and provides recorded evidence that may be utilized during court hearings.

The CAC strives to increase public awareness of child sexual abuse through our Community Outreach and Training Department. Our staff and volunteers are frequently invited to make presentations to schools, civic organizations, religious organizations and other social service agencies to educate professionals and parents about issues relating to child sexual abuse. We continue to provide extensive community outreach including educational programs, community and professional trainings and expert court testimony.

Family Advocates serve children who have been abused by persons outside of the home. Historically, these children fell through the cracks because their cases fell outside of the jurisdiction of Harris County Children's Protective Services. CPS caseworkers provide information, referrals and services only for cases in which children's daily protection is jeopardized by possible contact with the alleged perpetrator. The Family Advocate Division fills this gap in services for children victimized by relatives not living in the home, family acquaintances or strangers. The staff currently includes four Masters level clinical social workers who provide crisis intervention, needs assessments and community referrals.