At the Center for Child Protection, we are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Austin Police Department in the fight against child abuse. Their commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community is unwavering—and deeply inspiring.
Detectives in the Austin Police Department’s Child Abuse Unit carry out complex investigations into allegations of child physical and sexual abuse. Each case is handled with meticulous care, from the first report to the pursuit of justice in court. But as Detective Chad Honaker said, “This work isn’t like what you see on TV—it’s complex, and it takes time.” That patience and dedication are driven by a deeper purpose. For Det. Honaker, who lost a child to a heart defect, this work is personal. “Protecting kids is my way of giving back.”
His colleague, Detective Rosie Perez describes the Center as the “hub” for child abuse response in Travis County. It’s here, within our walls, that detectives work side-by-side with therapists, family advocates, and forensic interviewers to surround children with support. “We’re fortunate to have such an incredible facility that allows us to offer our very best when kids are experiencing their worst moments,” Det. Perez said. That collaboration is key to helping children share their stories, find safety, and begin healing.
At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief: Every child deserves to be safe, believed, and protected.
According to Police Chief Lisa Davis,
Yes, there is trauma—but there is also incredible resilience and growth. Children can, and do, move beyond their experiences to build bright futures. Chief Lisa Davis , Austin Police Department
Chief Davis described the partnership between APD and the Center for Child Protection as “extraordinary,” emphasizing the deep care and commitment her officers bring to every case.
For the Austin Police Department, protecting children is more than a job—it’s a calling. And during Child Abuse Prevention Month, we’re honored to highlight the tireless work they do every day to help children and families move forward with hope.
To our partners at APD: Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for protecting Austin’s kids.
Because every child deserves a dedicated protector.
Chief Lisa Davis
Q&A
How does your agency work with the Center for Child Protection?
What’s remarkable about our relationship with the Center is the collaboration between multiple agencies to ensure a child’s experience is as gentle and supportive as possible. Here, children can share their story just once, in a safe place surrounded by professionals who care deeply. This cooperation is truly extraordinary. These children have stories of adversity, but with the Center’s support, their experiences won’t define their futures. Together, we’re committed to moving children and families forward, helping them find justice, healing, and renewed hope. Our detectives and supervisors dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to this mission, driven by a profound love for children and a relentless pursuit of justice.
What do you wish more people understood about child abuse investigations?
Child abuse is one of those topics that nobody wants to talk about because it’s deeply painful to imagine children being victimized. There’s genuine sadness that comes with recognizing that reality. Yet, there’s also profound joy here—seeing children heal, seeing them turn a corner, and witnessing families move forward. These are real-life experiences, integral to each child’s story, but they don’t have to define who they become. Yes, there is trauma, and yes, horrendous things happen, but there is also incredible resilience and growth. Children can, and do, move beyond their experiences to build bright futures.
What keeps your team motivated to do this important work?
Policing is fundamentally a noble profession. When you ask anyone why they became an officer, their answer invariably includes wanting to help people—to truly make a difference. There’s no greater purpose in policing than protecting children. It’s more than just a job; it’s a profound calling. Our officers and detectives who choose this path have a passion for safeguarding children that drives their dedication every single day.
Chief Lisa Davis – Bio
Chief Lisa Davis is the second woman in Austin’s history to serve as permanent Chief of Police, bringing more than 30 years of experience from the Cincinnati Police Department. As Assistant Chief and Investigations Bureau Commander, she led efforts in homicide, major offenders, narcotics, and personal crimes.
A strong advocate for community policing, Chief Davis has specialized in building relationships and using evidence-based strategies to reduce crime. In Cincinnati, she created a city-wide problem-solving unit that improved safety in chronically violent areas and developed a specialized unit to protect at-risk populations, including the LGBTQIA+ and Latino/Hispanic communities, human trafficking victims, and homeless youth.
Chief Davis holds a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University and has received numerous honors, including the Superior Achievement in Law Enforcement and the Award of Valor.
Chief Davis remains dedicated to strengthening community partnerships and public safety in Austin.
Detective Rosie Perez
Q&A
Can you tell us how you and your team work to protect children?
The Center for Child Protection is really the hub—the Mecca—for addressing child abuse concerns. We’re fortunate to have such an incredible facility that allows us to offer our very best when kids are experiencing their worst moments. It’s an environment where multiple service providers collaborate seamlessly, enabling us to effectively support children and their families.
What specific role does your team play in protecting children?
We investigate all concerns related to child abuse that may violate the law. Our role is to thoroughly investigate these cases and ensure justice is served, including arresting those responsible based on children’s disclosures.
This isn’t easy work—what motivates you every day?Children are the most vulnerable members of our community. Being there for them when they need us most provides all the motivation we need to keep going, no matter what. Our team’s success is deeply connected to the exceptional resources and support provided by places like the Center for Child Protection.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about child abuse?
Child abuse doesn’t fit one mold. It affects children from all backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. It’s critical that we remain open and attentive, ready to recognize when a child speaks out. Children deserve to be safe and protected from any form of abuse, and we can’t afford to miss it.
Detective Rosie Perez – Bio
Detective Rosie Perez has served with the Austin Police Department since 2012 and has been a dedicated member of the Child Abuse Unit for the past two years. In her current role, she investigates cases of sexual and physical abuse involving children, working to bring justice and protection to Austin’s most vulnerable.
Before joining the Child Abuse Unit, Det. Perez held several positions within APD, including Corporal and District Representative in Southeast Austin, as well as a Patrol Officer.
Her law enforcement career began with the Austin ISD Police Department, where she worked in the Investigations Division, focusing on school-related child abuse cases and juvenile gang investigations.
Chad Honaker
Q&A
Can you introduce yourself and your role?
My name is Chad Honaker. I’m a detective with the Austin Police Department’s Child Abuse Unit. We work in collaboration with the Center for Child Protection, primarily conducting forensic interviews with child victims and witnesses in abuse cases.
What does your team do to protect children?
Our unit investigates both physical and sexual abuse cases involving children. Each case is assigned to a detective who handles the investigation from start to finish—whether it results in filing charges or being suspended due to lack of probable cause.
What keeps you motivated to do this work?
I’ve had a passion for child abuse cases throughout my 18 years in law enforcement. That passion comes from a personal experience—I lost a child to a heart defect. Working these cases and protecting other children is my way of giving back.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about this work?
These investigations are incredibly complex. No two cases are the same, and it takes a lot of time to collect information—whether that’s through search warrants, talking to witnesses, or gathering supporting evidence. It’s not like TV; we don’t solve cases in an hour.
What do you value about working with the Center for Child Protection?
I really appreciate the collaborative environment. Our office is nearby, so we’re able to walk over and talk directly with family advocates, therapists, or forensic interviewers when we need to. I’ve also had the chance to attend events like the Fun Run and even graduations for kids completing therapy. Seeing the impact the Center has on kids’ healing and resilience is incredibly rewarding.
