Dallas Children's Advocacy Center

The Dallas Children's Advocacy Center (DCAC) provides a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach to the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse cases. The only agency of its kind in Dallas County, DCAC removes barriers to investigation and treatment and enhances criminal prosecution. DCAC works in agreement with public and private agencies including Dallas law enforcement, Child Protective Services, the District Attorney's Office, Children's Medical Center, and UT Southwestern Medical Center. Since opening its doors in 1991, DCAC has increased the number of victims served annually by 230%.

Crystal Charity Ball funds will be used for the construction of the Forensic Interview Wing in the agency's new facility, to be located off I-30 between Jim Miller and Ferguson Road. One out of four girls and one out of six boys will be sexually abused before reaching their 18th birthday. Only one out of ten will ever disclose the abuse. By allowing expert professionals to interview child victims one time in a safe, child-sensitive environment, the agency's specialized and unique forensic interview program will help more children tell their story, begin the healing process, and seek justice. The Forensic Interview Wing at the new facility will provide additional workspace for visiting law enforcement professionals, CPS units and interviewers and will enable DCAC to double the number of children interviewed to 3,000 annually.