CASA & TCAC
The Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center
1203 Main Street
Texarkana, TX 75501
903-792-2215
missydavison@cactexarkana.org
MISSION
The Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center is an umbrella program under CASA of Northeast Texas. The purpose of the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center (TCAC) is to provide a non-threatening environment for the investigation of child abuse. The TCAC is a child friendly, home-like facility utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach to the investigation of child abuse cases.
Children are referred to the Center for forensic interviews through law enforcement and DCFS. The goal is to gather as much evidence as possible to prevent multiple interviews of the child. Trauma focused counseling and medical exams are offered on-site for clients of the Center.
PROGRAMS
- Family Advocacy—The Family Advocate educates families on the roles of the investigating agencies, how the investigation will proceed and the systems that are in place to help the families with any/all necessary resources.
- Forensic Interviewing—A Forensic Interview is a safe, child-friendly interaction between a child and a trained professional in response to allegations of child abuse, maltreatment or exposure to violence. The forensic interview is a developmentally-sensitive and legally sound method for gathering factual information. It is conducted by a neutral person who utilizes up-to-date research and interviewing skills while exercising current best practices. When there is an open investigation, a forensic interview is provided upon request from an investigative agency such as law enforcement, CPS/DHS, or member(s) of our Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT).
- Therapy—The type of therapy offered at the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center is Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). This is an evidence-based treatment modality for children ages 3-18 who have experienced trauma. This type of therapy includes the non-offending caregiver throughout the child’s therapeutic process.
- SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examination)—At the request of law enforcement and/or Child Protective Services, the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center SANE Nurse can perform a medical evaluation for a child victim of abuse if necessary. The purpose of the Sexual Assault Examination is to ensure your the child’s physical and mental well-being following suspected sexual abuse.
- Community Education—Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center is dedicated to educating the community about child abuse in hopes to provide the knowledge and tools to recognize the signs and make a successful report to the correct agency/jurisdiction. Our team is currently scheduling speaking engagements, training sessions, and providing education to locals schools, teachers, and administrators.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT David Magness
VICE PRESIDENT Liz Flippo
TREASURER John Crisp
SECRETARY Layla Hazin
William Bullock
Greg Cockerell
John Morel
Cole Meador
Lori Stewart
Cynthia Henderson
Courtney Shelton
Sgt. Chris Phelps
Lauren Richards
Deirdre Phillips
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Donation card in November issue of Texarkana Monthly Magazine, click here to donate online, or email Emily Green, Development Director, emilygreen@cactexarkana.org
CASA FOR CHILDREN
Hope, Healing, & Justice—CASA for Children strives to provide hope, healing, and justice by empowering volunteers to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children.
CASA for Children
1201 Main Street
Texarkana, TX 75501
903-792-1030
malendacree@casatexarkana.org
MISSION
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for Children Texarkana strives to provide hope, healing, and justice by empowering volunteers to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children.
EVENTS
CASA Volunteer Information Sessions Every Monday 12 PM and 5:30 PM
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
CASA volunteers are everyday people – teachers, business people, retirees, stay-at-home moms, and grandparents – who are committed to making a difference for children who might otherwise slip through the cracks in an overburdened foster care system. They are appointed by judges to guide one child or one set of siblings through the system to safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible. CASA volunteers research case records and speak to each person involved in a child’s life, including family members, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and social workers. They monitor the progress of the child and family throughout the case and advocate for the child’s current and future needs in court in school, and in agency meetings. Their independent evaluations allow the court to make better informed decisions.
Because CASAs serve on one case at a time, they truly get to know the child and can give each case the sustained, personal attention it deserves.
We invite you to join our family of volunteers and make a difference in a child’s life—and your own.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A CASA Volunteer must:
- Be 21 years of age or older.
- Successfully pass screening and background check requirements.
- Successfully complete initial training provided by the CASA 69 program. (30 hours of initial training plus 3 hours of courtroom observation & 12 hours of continuing education)
- Be able to make a 24-month minimum commitment to a case. (An average of 10-15 hours per month)
- Be able to keep information confidential and work within established program guidelines.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT David Magness
VICE PRESIDENT Liz Flippo
TREASURER John Crisp
SECRETARY Layla Hazin
William Bullock
Greg Cockerell
John Morel
Cole Meador
Lori Stewart
Cynthia Henderson
Courtney Shelton
Sgt. Chris Phelps
Lauren Richards
Deirdre Phillips
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Donation card in November issue of Texarkana Monthly Magazine, click here to donate online, or email Emily Green, Development Director, emilygreen@cactexarkana.org
