Ellis County Childrens Advocacy
About Ellis County Childrens Advocacy
When a child in Ellis County has been harmed, Ellis County Children’s Advocacy Center helps make the next step feel less overwhelming. Families can turn to the center for forensic interviews, family advocacy, supervised visitation through Ollie’s Place, and trauma-informed mental health services for children and non-offending caregivers. It also works alongside law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, medical professionals, and mental health providers, so families are not left carrying the process alone.
What sets Ellis County Children’s Advocacy Center apart is how local and practical its support is. The center brings child abuse response, prevention education, and family support together in one place, with services like free trauma-informed mental health care and Ollie’s Place for court-ordered supervised access in divorce and custody matters.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Forensic interviews
Developmentally and culturally sound interviews with children who have experienced or witnessed crimes, supporting law enforcement and CPS investigations.
Family advocacy
Support and information for caregivers about the center and the criminal justice process, including crisis intervention, referrals, and court accompaniment.
Mental health services
Trauma-informed mental health assessment and treatment for children and non-offending caregivers, including therapeutic sessions and support groups.
Court-ordered supervised visitation
Supervised access for parents and children in matters of divorce and custody, provided in a safe environment.
Prevention education
Awareness and prevention education for students and the community about child abuse and safety.
Medical examination coordination
Coordination of medical examinations as part of a multidisciplinary response to child abuse.
Child-centered play therapy
Therapeutic services offered for children through the center's mental health program.
Family therapy
Therapeutic sessions offered for children, siblings, and caregivers.
Educational and support groups
Groups for children and parents as part of the mental health program.
Co-parenting classes
Classes designed to equip parents with the skills needed to transition to separation parenting lifestyles.
Specialized adult counseling
Individualized counseling sessions for parents in matters of divorce and custody.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
The mission of the Ellis County Children's Advocacy Center is to provide justice, hope and healing to children and their families through a collaborative response to child abuse, which includes awareness, prevention, and protection.
Who they serve
Children and their families in Ellis County, Texas who are impacted by child abuse, child sexual assault, trauma, divorce, or custody matters.
How your donation helps
- Snacks for kids
- Advocacy services for a family
- Half of a child's trauma treatment
- Forensic interviews
- Family advocacy
- Mental health services
- Essential items for the rainbow room, including travel-size toiletries, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and pull-ups
- Holiday gifts for kids and teens
Our story
Since 1999, Ellis County Children’s Advocacy Center has been working to improve the community’s response to child abuse through a public-private partnership. Its collaborative model brings together child advocacy, investigation support, family services, and mental health care for children and families in Ellis County.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Ellis County Childrens Advocacy’s services.
Families can use the CAC Referral for Family Advocacy or Mental Health Services, the Alternate County Referral Form, or the Forensic Interview Referral Form, or contact a family advocate. Ollie's Place supervised access is court ordered by the 378th Judicial District Court of Ellis County and supervised visitation is by appointment only.
In their words
The Ellis County Children’s Advocacy Center is a beacon of hope for children and families in crisis. I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Board and support the incredible work being done every day by our team and community partners to protect children, promote healing, and strengthen our community.
Events
Paint the Town Blue, Child Abuse Prevention Month
annualAn April awareness campaign that uses blue ribbons, pinwheels, and blue lights across storefronts, neighborhoods, and schools to highlight child abuse prevention.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Ellis County Childrens Advocacy has shared.
Current needs
- Bottled water
- Sparkling water
- Sodas
- Healthy snack options
- K-cups
- Kid-friendly snacks
- Travel-size toiletries
- Feminine hygiene products
- Diapers
- Pull-ups
- Gifts for kids and teens
Volunteer opportunities
- Family Care Volunteer
- One-day volunteer opportunities
- Group project volunteer opportunities
- Graduate-level clinical internship
- Undergraduate-level clinical internship
- Mental Health Department volunteer
- Board member
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How do families get referred for services?
Families can use the CAC Referral for Family Advocacy or Mental Health Services, the Alternate County Referral Form, or the Forensic Interview Referral Form. They can also contact a family advocate directly.
What services are available through the mental health program?
The mental health program offers trauma-informed assessment and treatment for children and non-offending caregivers. That includes therapeutic sessions, child-centered play therapy, family therapy, and educational and support groups.
What is offered at Ollie’s Place?
Ollie’s Place provides court-ordered supervised access, co-parenting classes, and specialized adult counseling for parents and children dealing with divorce and custody matters.
How is supervised visitation arranged at Ollie’s Place?
Supervised visitation is court ordered by the 378th Judicial District Court of Ellis County and scheduled by appointment only.
What kinds of support are available for caregivers during the investigative process?
Family advocacy can include crisis intervention, information about the criminal justice process, referrals to community resources, victim compensation assistance, and court accompaniment.
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