Prior to 1991, the system designed to protect and treat sexually abused children often made matters worse. Youngsters who had the courage to disclose were subjected to traumatic emergency room examinations and asked by strangers to repeat their stories over and over at various locations, a process that frightened and victimized them again.

Responding to this situation, the Harris County Child Abuse Task Force, a collaborative entity comprised of social workers, physicians, attorneys and psychologists, set out to create an alternative to protect and help children.

With the support of Harris County’s most influential community leaders, the necessary resources were assembled to establish The CAC. Now, sexually abused children and their families are treated in one child-friendly environment, where professionals work together to protect their safety and security.

The CAC provides on-site access to experts in abuse prevention, medical treatment, forensic examination, family counseling, therapeutic services and criminal prosecution.

Recognized worldwide within child advocacy groups as a model program, The CAC also serves as a resource for training and professional development through public and private funding. The collaborative effort between Harris County, The CAC and its many partner agencies has transformed what was a fragmented, bureaucratic experience into a highly coordinated approach to the reporting, investigating, prosecuting, case-tracking and healing processes.