Children's Advocacy Day at the Capitol

Senators Shapiro, Nelson and Harris passed Senate Resolution 134 honoring the Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) of Texas , this week.  These centers play a vital role in bringing young victims of physical and sexual abuse both justice and healing. 

In the early 1990s, when Sen. Shapiro first crafted Ashley's Laws, there were only 13 CACs operating in Texas , but now there are more centers in Texas than in any other state in the nation with 63 in Texas . The work and advocacy of the numerous professionals and agencies involved with CACs helps child victims through the justice system in a manner that reduces the trauma associated with a judicial system built for adults.

Senators Shapiro, Nelson and Harris join floor guests representing four North Texas advocacy centers: (From L to R: Senator Jane Nelson; Mary Blake Meadows, Chairman of the Board, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center; Diana Estell, Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center Board Member; Elaine Emery, Board Vice President, Children’s Advocacy Center of Denton County; Nancy Hagan, Executive Director, Alliance For Children (Tarrant County); David Heselton, President of the Board, Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas-Plano; and Senator Shapiro). 

Senator Shapiro's monthly email (complete version)