Advocacy Center for Children of Galveston County
Seeking safety, justice and healing for child abuse victims
The Advocacy Center for Children of Galveston County is successful in providing hope and healing to victims of child abuse by our coordinated investigations between the Advocacy Center staff and affiliated team members. The investigation team, consisting of law enforcement, advocates, Child Protective Services and medical experts work hand-in-hand with the District Attorney's Office to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. The Advocacy Center's primary services are forensic interviews, family advocates, case staffing/tracking, trauma focused therapy and Rainbow Room-emergency resources for children and families we serve.
Who We Are
The Advocacy Center is an outgrowth of a community- based task force established to improve the community response to child abuse in Galveston County. In 1992, this task force identified the Children’s Advocacy Center model as the best way to bring collaboration among the various agencies working in the child abuse arena. The focus then became how to better serve the children and prevent the re-victimization by the very system responsible for protecting the child. In 1993 a multidisciplinary team was formed from the many agencies in Galveston County involved in investigation, prosecution and treatment of child abuse. This team changed the entire approach to child abuse investigation in the county and brought much needed collaboration and consistency. As the program components were created and proved to be successful, the doors officially opened October 1, 1996. A capital campaign began November, 1999 to construct a new facility. Construction began November, 2001 and concluded August, 2002. The larger facility has allowed for an increase in services and coordination with housing of partner agency staff. To reduce trauma to the child and family, the Center facilitates swift and efficient intervention by providing a child-friendly environment for the evaluation of child abuse, coordinating the efforts of law enforcement, Department of Family and Protective Services (CPS), mental health and medical providers.
There are currently 70 Advocacy Centers in Texas.
