Child Center : Community Outreach : Medical Services : Houston, TX : Child Abuse Help Center

Programs and Services

The Children's Assessment Center provides an array of services designed to meet the physical and emotional needs of sexually abused children, their siblings and non-offending caregivers. We employ bilingual interviewers and clinicians, and contract with those skilled in American Sign Language to ensure that all abused children have access to our services, which include the following:

Clinical Social Workers

The Clinical Social Worker serves 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 Clinical Social Work Division fills this gap in services for children victimized by relatives not living in the home, family acquaintances or strangers. The staff currently includes three Masters level clinical social workers who provide crisis intervention, needs assessments and community referrals.
Forensic Services

The Forensic Services Department provides specialized forensic interviews, extended forensic evaluations and family advocacy services to children and families to support the investigation of child sexual abuse. The Forensic Services Department offers a child-friendly environment where specialized forensic interviewers and evaluators obtain information in a non-leading, non-threatening manner. Forensic Interviews are digitally recorded, allowing all professionals involved in a case to simultaneously view both live and recorded interviews, rather than subjecting a child to repeated interviews. If a child does not disclose during the forensic interview, but there is other evidence to suggest victimization, the Forensic Evaluators are available to conduct extended sexual abuse assessments. This allows a child the opportunity to disclose what, if anything, occurred. The Family Advocates are available to provide much needed guidance and support to the non-offending caregivers throughout the initial investigative process and beyond.
Therapy and Psychological Services

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. Using a holistic approach helps restore the child’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.
Medical Services

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.
Children's Services

The Children’s Services Department includes the playroom, volunteer program, the children’s closet, art activities and gift and clothing donation drives. Children’s Services hosts the children’s annual Holiday Party, the Back to School Party and many Summer and annual holiday activities. The CAC’s on-site playroom, which is staffed by two CAC staff members as well as specially trained volunteers, provides a safe haven for children while awaiting services or during a lengthy investigation of alleged abuse. In addition, the department provides basic needs of food, clothing and toiletries for children as needed. The CAC enjoys working with many active volunteers who, following extensive background checks, have been trained to facilitate and coordinate these direct services to child victims and their families.
Community Outreach and Training

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.