Celebrate Police Appreciation Week with us! This week, we want to extend a heartfelt “Thank You!” to all the law enforcement officers who play a crucial role in providing justice for child abuse victims in Travis County.
Recently, the Austin Police Department, Travis County Sherrif’s Office, and the philanthropic heroes from Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) joined forces for a powerful Child Abuse Prevention Lap at our Ride.Drive.Give. event. The inspiring collaboration showcased their unwavering dedication to Protect Austin Kids™.
At the Center for Child Protection, we believe in the power of teamwork. Through the collaborative approach of the Child Protection Team (CPT), we strive to minimize the trauma experienced by children during the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed against them.
The Child Protection Team consists of the Center for Child Protection, the Department of Family and Protective Services, local law enforcement, Dell Children’s Medical Center, and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. Each member of this multi-disciplinary team plays a vital role in effectively addressing all aspects of a child abuse case, providing support to the child and their protective family.
The Austin Police Department assigns detectives from their Child Abuse Unit to handle criminal cases involving physical and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. Their responsibilities range from arranging forensic interviews for victims to conducting interviews with witnesses and suspects, preserving crime scenes, collecting evidence, and executing search and arrest warrants.
While detectives are instrumental in child abuse cases, they often face the challenge of not being able to directly communicate with the child due to confidentiality reasons. That’s why we have created programmatic events like Iron Paws and Mickey’s Fun Run. These events provide detectives with the opportunity to interact with children directly, helping them build safe, supportive relationships and learn new skills to overcome past trauma.
By uniting organizations and agencies dedicated to protecting children, the Child Protection Team ensures a comprehensive and coordinated response to cases of abuse. Through our collaborative efforts, we make a true difference in the lives of vulnerable children and their families, creating a safer environment where they can grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. Together, we empower these children to embrace a brighter future.
