Today the Center for Child Protection hosted a press conference to highlight its collaboration with local agencies and commitment to ending the cycle of abuse as well as the addition of a new pet therapy and court-assistance dog, Mickler.
Interim APD Police Chief Brian Manley spoke on the issue of child abuse, stating that more than 2,000 child abuse victims were confirmed in Travis County last year. While APD, Travis County Sheriff’s Office and surrounding jurisdictions commit to reducing this number, Manley called out to the community to take a moment and learn the signs of abuse as well as how to report it.
“Education is key to prevention. The Center for Child Protection provides the community with several free educational opportunities as well as provides information at www.SpotItStopIt.org,” Manley stated.
After Sheriff Sally Hernandez spoke on the importance of local agencies collaborating with the Center for Child Protection to one day end the cycle of abuse, she spoke on the Center’s dedication to providing new and innovative services to child victims and their protective families. “Recently the Center became site certified in a therapy modality that focuses on providing individualized treatment plans to each child based on their experiences with trauma and brain development,” Hernandez said. “From music, dance, yoga, gardening and even pet therapy, this modality of therapy will change the lives of these victims and give them the opportunity to flourish in their years to come.”
As part of the NMT program, the new pet therapy dog, Mickler, will play a role in helping children build relationships and regulate their minds and bodies. ADA Beverly Mathews took this opportunity to honor the Center’s first therapy dog, Sidney, for her work with children as DA Margaret Moore deputized Mickler as an official court-assistance dog in Travis County.
Center for Child Protection Board President Tama Williamson closed the event by recognizing the Travis County Women’s Lawyers Association and Girls Giving Grants for the role they played in securing Mickler for the Center and encouraged the community to take the opportunity to learn more about child abuse awareness to help protect the children in the Austin community.
Contact Info
Center for Child Protection
8509 FM 969, Building 2
Austin, Texas 78724
Phone: 512-472-1164
Fax: 512-472-1167
Web: centerforchildprotection.org
