Jan Utzman
Child Abuse—Did you know …
There has been lots of buzz about the recent movie Sound of Freedom, and it has certainly sparked a much-needed conversation about child sex trafficking. On Tuesday, Aug. 15, a group of 17 Robson Ranch residents toured the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) for North Texas. This is a problem they deal with every day. It was such an informative, reassuring day that made us aware of what is happening here in the Denton, Texas, area and how it is being addressed. We want to share our day with you.
When you first step into the door of the CAC, you feel a sense of welcome, friendliness, and warmth. Every aspect of their facility is designed to put a person at ease. Every client they help has been a victim of felony-level physical and sexual abuse (including child trafficking victims), and the goal of the staff is to let them know immediately that this is a safe place and they can be trusted.
In this beautiful, state-of-the-art facility, it soon became evident that the Center and its staff are amazing.
Just like the famous St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the Advocacy Center never charges for services provided by expertly trained counselors, doctors, and medical staff, as well as food, clothing, and household items that the victims and their families need. The criminal investigation is also coordinated through the Center in partnership with law enforcement, CPS, and the district attorney’s office. The Center’s first and foremost concern is helping victims heal and seeing that they are returned to a safe environment.
Suzann Woodard, Director of Development, and Michelle Rocha, Asst. Director of Development, took our group on a tour of the facilities, explaining in detail every step of the process, which begins the moment the child first walks in the door. They described the process of each child having a team of professionals to guide them through their journey.
The team works together to see that the child receives the best resources available and that all the victim’s needs are met. The healing begins early and often takes years. However, the victim knows that they always have some place to turn to for help.
This is not a government agency. It is funded by people and businesses of our community.
It was amazing to learn what these dedicated people do for others and to see them giving their all to help a child in need have a good life.
I urge any of you reading this to take a tour and see how you, too, can help. They are always in need of volunteers, and it just might be the right place for you. You can schedule a tour or find out about volunteer opportunities by emailing [email protected].
After the visit with the CAC, our group adjourned to Verf’s for lunch and lively conversation.