Dallas Children's Advocacy Center (DCAC) coordinates the investigation, prosecution and healing services for the most severe cases of child abuse in Dallas County - those that rise to the level of a criminal offense.
DCAC is the first stop for children in Dallas County who are victims of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, and for children who have witnessed a violent crime. DCAC offers child-centric facility where families can receive life-changing services, such as a recorded forensic interview, trauma-informed therapy, and family assistance, at no cost to them in both English and Spanish. In addition, DCAC works collaboratively with professionals across law enforcement, pediatric hospitals, Child Protective Services, case workers, and prosecutors to ensure justice and restore hope for victims.
DCAC is the only nonprofit in Dallas County involved in the investigation of crimes against children. Our average client is a 9-year-old girl, sexually abused by someone she knows and trusts. Last year, DCAC provided services to over 13,000 children and family members who were victims of criminal child abuse across Dallas County.
Children are referred to DCAC for services exclusively through law enforcement and Child Protective Services. Along with direct and indirect support staff, DCAC also houses the detectives that make up the Child Abuse Unit of the Dallas Police Department, six units of Child Protective Services, and a Dallas County Assistant District Attorney. Having all of these professionals under one roof drives collaboration and communication in the very sensitive cases that DCAC coordinates.
Our Needs
DCAC currently needs operational support to ensure that child abuse victims and their non-offending family members can continue to receive these services to bring them justice, hope, and healing completely FREE of charge. With your help, DCAC is the place where healing begins for the children who need us most.