BLUEBONNET CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER
The Bluebonnet Children’s Advocacy Center is multi-disciplinary approach to working sexual abuse and physical abuse cases.
The Center provides a child-friendly, safe, neutral environment for children alleged to have been abused. The Center works to lessen the emotional trauma to children who are going through the civil and criminal systems
The Center accomplishes these goals by providing the following services: Coordinating the investigation, assessment, prosecution and treatment of sexual and physical abuse cases. Providing forensic interviews of alleged victims of abuse and witnesses to crime. The interviewers are trained to question children in a non-leading manner that is non-traumatic for the children. The interviewers gather information for law enforcement, CPS and the district attorney’s office to reduce the number of times a child has to be interviewed. BCC Staff meet with families following the interview to provide crisis intervention services and referrals to appropriate services for families. Center volunteers who assist children by providing them with a safe and nurturing environment before and after the interviews.
The Bluebonnet CAC, located in Hondo, Texas, provides much needed services to abuse victims and
their non-offending family members in the Medina, Uvalde, and Real County area. The BCAC also
provides courtesy services to other counties including Frio, LaSalle, Dimmit, Zavala, and Val Verde
Counties.
Law enforcement agencies from the three primary counties as well as the Medina County Criminal District Attorneys office, the 38th Judicial District Attorney
and Child Protective Services have agreed to support and utilize the Bluebonnet CAC for child abuse
investigations.
Children and Parents: When children and their non-offending parents are brought to the Bluebonnet CAC, they are greeted by
friendly staff who assist them with completing paperwork and explain services that will be provided
while at the CAC. General services for the child and his or her family include:
- Services provided in a neutral, child-friendly environment
- In-house counseling or therapy referrals and community referrals for additional services
Assistance with completing a Crime Victim’s Compensation Application
Services We Provide CPS and Law Enforcement: When a report of child abuse is received by CPS or Law Enforcement, an investigator can call the
Bluebonnet CAC and schedule a forensic interview with the child. General services for the investigative agencies include:
Services provided to the families and partner agencies in a professional and consistent manner. Recordings of the original interviews with children. Assurance that the child and his or her family will receive therapy referrals as well as referrals for other community assistance if needed. Monthly case review meetings and training opportunities.
BCAC Information
Working with the Community
BCAC Flyer Download
Reporting Suspected Abuse and Neglect
Know the Law in Texas
“A professional who has cause to believe that a child has been abused or neglected is required by law to report the abuse or neglect within 48 hours of becoming aware of the incident. The professional cannot delegate to or rely on another person to make the report.” Texas Family Code 261.101(b)
“A person commits an offense if the person has cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect and knowingly fails to report as provided in this chapter.” Texas Family Code 261.109
It is the responsibility of professionals to report and the responsibility of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS and CPS) to investigate allegations or suspicions of abuse or neglect.