Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces,

I would still plant my apple tree.

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
P resident s M essage
Since Ive engaged in the remarkable work done by the Childrens Advocacy Centers of Texas, this quote from Rev.
Martin Luther King, Jr. has particularly inspired me. While one can get discouraged by the sheer number of young Texans victimized by violence and sexual abuse in a year, it is great to be part of an organization committed to cultivating
our own tree that brings relief and hope to so many.
As the statewide membership organization for Texas CACs, we have our roots in the work of some incredibly
compassionate people who set out to correct serious flaws in the way child victims of abuse were once treated by
the legal system. Based on their impact in a few of our states major cities, the
74th Texas Legislature heeded Senator Florence Shapiros call and voted her SB 81
to final passage. This piece of legislation, which was among 1,057 signed into law by
Governor Bush that year, formalized CACs in statute as the best practice approach
to working these cases. This visionary step also positioned CACTX to help Texas
become a world leader in winning justice and advancing healing for child victims of
abuse. Its a honor to celebrate the 20th anniversary of that legislation.
Today our network brings together over 800 dedicated CAC staff members, every CPS region in the state, Child
Care Licensing, Adult Protective Services, over 900 law enforcement jurisdictions, more than 200 district and county
attorneys and countless medical and mental health professionals. In a state the size of Texas, it is no small feat to claim
that more than 95 percent of Texas counties are covered by one of our nearly 70 programs.
Over the last 20 years, various services including forensic interviews and family advocacy have been researched,
developed and expanded to better serve the states population. In recent years CACs have also become a greenhouse
of sorts for new approaches to therapy, fostering positive changes that lead victims onto full, integrated lives. The
therapeutic modality that has become the gold standards for treating traumatized children is now being taught so
frequently and thoroughly through our organization that Texas CACs are now home to nearly 80% of the Texas
therapists certified in its use.
As you will read in the pages of this report, 2015 was spent recommitting to the roots of our model, the multidisciplinary team, and we have remarkable process to share. I hope that you will be inspired by the innovative, life-saving
enhancements underway, but will also take a moment to celebrate the milestones of the last two decades and accept our
thanks for your role in our success. Together we can continue to grow and expand our reach, ensuring that all children
impacted by violence and abuse see justice, healing, and a life full of possibility.

Michael Keener,
CACTX, Immediate Past President
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