Johnson County Children's Advocacy Center

For over 25 years, the Children's Advocacy Center of Johnson County has helped child victims of severe physical abuse, sexual abuse, and child witnesses to violent crimes move from a role of victim to one of courageous survivor. Our agency is the sole nonprofit in Johnson County that serves children entering the justice system because of felony child abuse. Child protection is at the heart of everything we do, which guides our Multi-Disciplinary Team approach. Our staff works alongside Law Enforcement, DFPS workers, court administrators and medical professionals to identify abuse and exploitation, answer the call to help, provide treatment and convict perpetrators. Children receive Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other research-based therapeutic practices to help children 1) deal with the aftermath of abuse and 2) shape the child's life for more healthy development post trauma. Victims, children at-risk and non-perpetrating family members receive these services for as long as needed at no cost to the family.

Of the children who enter the center for the first time, over 70% are seen for sexual abuse, and 30% for physical abuse or other violent trauma. Twenty percent were not old enough to attend kindergarten, and 33% of children and teens are experiencing suicidal ideation when they come for their first visit. The Center provides a child-friendly, safe environment for children and families, and our beloved K-9 Advocates (therapy dogs) provide a warm welcome to each child who arrives at our doors.

The children who pass through our doors may enter as victims, but they depart as survivors. They leave understanding that their abuse has not defined their future, but has become a part of their incredible story as they move forward and learn to not only find their voice, but to be a voice for others still waiting to be found. Our goal is to ensure that every child who has suffered abuse understands that they have incredible worth and value.

Our Needs

We rely on the generosity of the community to provide critical services for child victims of severe physical abuse, sexual abuse, and witnesses to violent crimes; so that they can receive justice hope and healing. Without the support of our community we could no longer provide critical services including forensic interviews, family resources, crisis intervention and individual and family trauma therapy. 

These children have us fighting for them and we now find ourselves in a position where we need you fighting for us to be able to continue to meet their needs!