It’s a sad commentary on our culture that child abuse is an all too common occurrence. According to child abuse statistics, about 900,000 children are the victims of child abuse and neglect in the United States each year, which result in about 1,500 deaths. It’s a horrific crime and one that often goes unreported because the abusers, who are often family members, become adept at hiding their vicious assaults on the most vulnerable and powerless victims in society. There’s a special place in Heaven for those people who volunteer their time and effort to come to the rescue of those unfortunate children who have no other place to turn for help. One such place is the Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County (CACDC). Recently, Denton County’s police chiefs, the District Attorney, and other investigating agency leaders received a sneak preview of the CACDC’s new facility located at 1854 Cain Drive in Lewisville. These agency directors got together again at a signing ceremony on June 18 at 11:30 a.m. so they may continue working severe child abuse cases through the Children’s Advocacy Center.

      CACDC moved into its new facility June 12 and began providing services in its newly constructed 14,000 square foot building the following Monday, June 15.  The new facility features two forensic interview rooms, a sexual assault nurse examination room, upgraded therapy space, and more offices for its partner agencies to work their child abuse cases.  A grand opening ceremony will be held on July 15, for the general public. Every three years, the non-profit’s 35 partner agencies renew their agreements to abide by the agency’s protocols and agree to work severe child abuse cases through the Children’s Advocacy Center. CACDC’s partner agencies include the Denton County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, Child Protective Services, all Denton County Police Departments, Juvenile Probation and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner’s Program. “We are very excited to provide a place where our investigators can work their cases together, and we believe the new Center will have a positive impact on bringing more offenders to justice,’ said Dan Leal, CACDC Executive Director.

     In 2008, CACDC served 1,552 clients and conducted 666 forensic interviews of new children who were suspected of having been severely abused.  More than 90% of the children served by the agency are suspected of having been sexually abused.  Since its doors opened in 1997, the center has averaged over a 70% conviction rate for offenders.  For more information, to make a donation or volunteer at the Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County, visit www.cacdc.org or call 972-317-2818.

- Special to The News Connection