Childrens Advocacy Center Of
About Childrens Advocacy Center Of
When a child has experienced suspected abuse, neglect, or witnessed violent crime, the first conversation matters. The Children's Advocacy Center of Van Zandt County is built to reduce that trauma by bringing together forensic interviews, family advocacy, therapeutic services, and community education in one coordinated response. For donors, that means supporting a place where children and their non-offending caregivers can get help without being sent from one system to the next. Over 500 children were served in 2023, which gives a sense of how many families are depending on this work.
It is the one and only nonprofit first stop in Van Zandt County for child victims suspected of sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and witnessed violent crime. That matters because the center is set up to keep the response organized, so children and families are met with support, not added stress.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Forensic interviews
Developmentally sensitive, legally sound interviews that gather factual information regarding allegations of abuse and exposure to violence.
Multidisciplinary team coordination
Forensic services that include multidisciplinary team activities with partner agencies involved in investigation and response.
Victim support and family advocacy
Support for child victims and non-offending caregivers, including emotional support, crisis intervention, case updates, referrals, compensation assistance, court support, and transportation help.
Therapeutic services
Counseling, crisis intervention, intake, assessment, support groups, and trauma-focused therapy for child victims and non-offending caregivers and family members.
Community education and prevention programs
Child abuse awareness and prevention programs for schools, daycare centers, churches, community youth programs, and other community groups.
Mandatory reporting presentations
Training for legally required reporters such as nurses, school staff, daycare workers, teachers, doctors, and counselors on indicators of child abuse and reporting procedures.
Community presentations and training
Presentations for faith-based, educational, community, civic, and partner organizations on child abuse awareness, prevention, and response.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
The mission of the Children's Advocacy Center of Van Zandt County is to reduce trauma to child victims of physical and sexual abuse through a unified effort that facilitates thorough investigations, effective prosecution, and the healing of children and their families.
Who they serve
Child victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and witnessed violent crime in Van Zandt County, along with their non-offending caregivers and family members.
Their impact
- Over 500 children were served in 2023.
How your donation helps
- Replacing old outdated computers and equipment used to assist staff in serving clients.
- Supporting a future home where child victims of abuse and their families can find justice, hope, and healing.
- Continuing services for child abuse victims and their non-offending caregivers.
Our story
The idea behind children’s advocacy centers started in 1983, when District Attorney Bud Cramer in Huntsville, Alabama, responded to the way child victims were being re-victimized by the systems meant to protect them. In Van Zandt County, local leaders began assessing the need for a center in 2004, formed a task force, and developed the protocols and procedures that led to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Van Zandt County opening in 2005. That same year, it became a member of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Childrens Advocacy Center Of’s services.
Children and non-offending caregivers or family members are referred in crisis. The center provides a safe, child-friendly forensic interview and coordinates advocacy, counseling, community resources, court support, and other case-related services.
Events
Casino Night Gala 2026 - Fundraiser for CACVZ’s New Home
annualA fundraising gala with casino games, live and silent auction items, raffles, music, drinks, and dinner to raise funds for a future home.
20th Anniversary Gala - Casino Night
dated event, October 5, 2024An anniversary gala celebrating service to children and families in Van Zandt County.
East Texas Giving Day
annualA giving day campaign supporting client services and new equipment needs.
Pinwheel Garden Campaign
annualAn awareness and fundraising campaign for child abuse prevention and support.
CACVZ Birthday
annualAn anniversary month campaign recognizing the organization’s history and growth.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Childrens Advocacy Center Of has shared.
Current needs
- Replacement of old outdated computers and equipment.
- Sponsorships for the 2026 Casino Night Gala fundraiser.
- Donated items or volunteers for gala support.
Volunteer opportunities
- Clerical operations
- Creative projects with children
- Fundraising support
- Community education support
- Service support
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What happens during a forensic interview?
A forensic interview is a developmentally sensitive, legally sound way to gather factual information about allegations of abuse or exposure to violence. It is done by a neutral professional as part of the investigative process.
How does family advocacy support caregivers?
Family advocacy is there to help reduce trauma for children and non-offending caregivers. Support can include emotional support, case updates, referrals, help with Crime Victim’s Compensation, court support, and transportation assistance.
What therapeutic services are available?
Therapeutic services can include client intake, crisis intervention, assessment of needs, individual and family counseling, support groups, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy services for children and caregivers.
What kind of education and prevention work does the center provide?
The center offers child abuse awareness and prevention programs for schools, daycare centers, churches, youth programs, and community groups. It also provides mandatory reporting presentations for professionals and community presentations for civic and faith-based organizations.
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Other victims services nonprofits in TX.