The Travis County Child Protection Team, which includes the Center for Child Protection as its coordinating agency, collaborates together on the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases to more effectively and rapidly respond to the needs of abused children. This team approach enhances the quality of assistance that is provided to children and families, improves investigations, and reduces the trauma to child victims.
Forensic Interview
The interview is the first step for a child to tell what happened. With a referral from law enforcement or Child Protective Services, children visit the Center accompanied by a parent or guardian for an approximately two-hour appointment. All of the participating agencies including law enforcement officers, an onsite Assistant District Attorney, Child Protective Services caseworkers, and the Center's forensic interviewers meet prior to the interview to discuss the case and share information. When children arrive at the Center, they are interviewed in a safe, non-threatening environment and their statements are recorded. This eliminates the need for a child to disclose their abuse over and over again as the investigation continues. After the interview, caregivers are given information about follow-up care and other helpful resources.
Medical Exam
Children may be scheduled to receive a medical examination, which may include a sexual assault examination. All examinations are conducted by Dr. Beth Nauert, a board-certified pediatrician who specializes in forensic examinations for children. Chain of evidence protocols are followed to ensure the protection of evidence.
Case Monitoring
The Center tracks each case from the initial interview through criminal or civil disposition. To ensure all agencies continue sharing information throughout, the Center facilitates monthly interagency case staffings, in which CPS investigators, law enforcement, prosecutors, and medical personnel meet to review active cases and make joint recommendations on how to proceed. In addition, the Child Assessment Team at Children's Hospital (CATCH) meets weekly to assess children entering the hospital who may be victims of abuse.
Court School
Each month, the Center conducts a Court School Program for children and their families who will testify in court. The two-hour evening program introduces children to a courtroom at the Travis County Courthouse and the roles of the judge, witnesses, prosecutor, defendant, and others during a court proceeding. Children have the opportunity to role play and learn how to take care of their needs while they are on the witness stand.
