Throughout April, we’re shining a light on the incredible agencies that make up our district’s Child Protection Team — those who work together every day to #ProtectAustinKids and support families impacted by abuse. We are equally as proud to highlight our own team at the Center for Child Protection that coordinates this multidisciplinary effort and provides a safe, child-friendly place for kids to begin their journey toward healing.
Cyndi Cantu, our Chief Team Relations and Forensic Officer, witnesses the impact of teamwork every day.
“Every single day, multiple agencies come together to investigate cases of child abuse so that every child has access to justice,” Cyndi said.
I love that I get to make a difference—not just in the lives of the children and families we serve, but also in the lives of our agency partners by supporting them in the important work they do every day. Cyndi Cantu , Chief Team Relations and Forensic Officer, Center for Child Protection
At the Center, collaboration is key. From forensic interviews and medical exams to therapy and courtroom testimony, the Center serves as the hub where our Child Protection Team partners — including law enforcement, medical staff, case workers, prosecutors, therapists, interviewers, and advocates – can work together efficiently and compassionately, with the child’s best interest at heart.
Shelby Duarte, the Center’s Director of Forensic Services, emphasized the strength of those partnerships.
“I regularly connect with caseworkers and detectives while staffing individual cases,” she said.
“I work alongside district attorneys during case reviews or training sessions, and with medical professionals who are essential to our team’s investigative process.”
Though the work is tough, Shelby says the reward is greater.
People often say, ‘You must have a really hard job,’ and that’s absolutely true—but it’s also a thousand times more rewarding. Knowing that children feel heard and supported is incredibly fulfilling and keeps me committed to this role every day. Shelby Duarte , Director of Forensic Services
Both Shelby and Cyndi agree on one thing: Every child deserves to feel safe. And that safety starts with all of us. Whether it’s remaining calm and supportive when a child discloses abuse, or making the decision to report suspected abuse, community action makes a difference.
Together, we can end the cycle of child abuse — because every child deserves to feel safe.
Cyndi Cantu
Insights from Cyndi Cantu
Q: What’s something people might not realize about the work done at the Center?
A: Every single day, multiple agencies come together to investigate cases of child abuse so that every child has access to justice.
Q: What does “Protect Austin Kids” mean to you?
A: To me, it means that every child is safe and lives a life filled with joy, beauty, and love.
Q: What do you love most about your job?
A: I love that I get to make a difference—not just in the lives of the children and families we serve, but also in the lives of our agency partners by supporting them in the important work they do every day.
Q: What do you want the Austin community to know about keeping kids safe?
A: In order to keep the children in our community safe, it’s important that each one of us takes responsibility for reporting child abuse when we see it.
Q: How can someone report suspected abuse?
A: You can call 1-800-252-5400 to make a report of child abuse.
Get to Know Cyndi Cantu
Cyndi Cantu has been with the Center for Child Protection since 1995 and currently serves as the Chief Team Relations and Forensic Officer. She ensures that the multidisciplinary team follows investigative protocols for child abuse cases and oversees the forensic interview and coordination programs.
Cyndi holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and previously worked as a Child Protection Investigator. A nationally recognized expert in forensic interviewing, she has contributed to the development of statewide training models and has presented on child abuse investigations across the country.
Her dedication to protecting children and improving investigative practices has made her a leader in the field.
Shelby Duarte
Insights from Shelby Duarte
Q: How do you collaborate with the Child Protection Team?
A: In my role, I collaborate closely with all of our agency partners. I regularly connect with caseworkers and detectives while staffing individual cases. Additionally, I work alongside district attorneys during case reviews or training sessions, as well as medical professionals who are essential to our team’s investigative process.
Q: This work is challenging. What keeps you motivated?
A: This is indeed tough work. People often say, “You must have a really hard job,” and that’s absolutely true—but it’s also a thousand times more rewarding. Knowing that children feel heard and supported is incredibly fulfilling and keeps me committed to this role every day.
Q: What do you wish more people understood about child abuse investigations?
A: I wish people understood how critical their reactions are when a child discloses abuse. Immediate responses like, “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” can unintentionally make a child feel as though they’re at fault. It’s essential to remain calm, supportive, and patient—really hearing their words without judgment—because every child deserves to feel safe.
Q: What impact do you hope the Child Protection Team continues to have in the future?
A: We already have strong working relationships with our partners, and I hope we continue to build and strengthen these collaborations. Strong partnerships ensure we’re all effectively working together to support families.
Get to Know Shelby Duarte
Shelby Duarte is the Director of Forensic Services at the Center for Child Protection and has been with the organization since 2015. She oversees the forensic interview department while also conducting interviews to help ensure children have a safe space to share their experiences.
Shelby holds a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science from St. Edward’s University in Austin. Beyond her work at the Center, she is dedicated to training future professionals as a faculty member for the Forensic Interview Training Program at Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas.
