First Lady Cecilia Abbott Visits San Angelo for Child Advocacy

SAN ANGELO, TX — This morning, the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Tom Green County, Inc. was visited by Texas' First Lady Cecilia Abbott. Abbott met and conversed with various community leaders, volunteers and families about CAC and its impact on the San Angelo community.

James Skinner, President of the Board of CAC in San Angelo, spoke about First Lady Abbott’s visit and what it means for San Angelo.

“She wants to bring awareness to the children of the Concho Valley by promoting their welfare,” Skinner said.

CAC looks to address child abuse in the Concho Valley by asking for the support of community volunteers to bring a stop to child abuse. CAC of Texas (CACTX) is pursuing its statewide improvement to the response of child abuse through a true public-private partnership, reads a CAC press release. 

"On behalf of the network of CAC's in Texas, we are encouraged that Governor Abbott has elevated child welfare as a top priority for Texas," the press release added. "Thank you to First Lady Cecilia Abbott. By being with the San Angelo community today, she [brought] awareness to child abuse as we strive for the best and necessary services for our most vulnerable citizens." 

The Office of the Governor, The Texas Legislature and The Criminal Justice Division have helped improve this process by investing time into CACTX. All three offices have been coordinating with law enforcement agencies, Child Protective Services and prosecutors, to fight against child abuse. Additional services include medical providers and therapists that assist with the healing process for children and families in Texas who have suffered from abuse. 

After taking the tour, Skinner hopes that Mrs. Abbott has gained more knowledge about the dedication and commitment CAC and the Concho Valley puts in to helping the communities children.

“[We] are committed to the welfare of our children, the development of our society, and [creating] a bright future for the children we serve,” Skinner stated.

 "Our state has done an amazing job recognizing that we can build better cases, keep children safe, and make sure children are not re-victimized throughout the investigations process by way of this coordinated approach," the CAC press release stated. "The support from our state and federal government and private sector has been instrumental in ensuring that Texas’ CAC network is a national leader. Due to the "investments in the CAC model, in state fiscal year 2016, CACs statewide increased the number of children served in by 15 percent," the press release stated. 

Common signs of abuse can include children who are notably uncomfortable, quite, and who avoid conversation, Skinner explained. He added that talking to the children is the first step to helping them.

“It’s important everybody understands the signs of child abuse, and understand how to report [abuse cases,]” Skinner said. “Every child deserves a chance, and every child deserves the care of an adult.”

The mission of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Tom Green County, Inc. is to ensure that every child in our community has a safe and nurturing home. As the umbrella agency, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Tom Green County, Inc. houses six programs including: Hope House, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Family Enrichment Services, Child Fatality Review Team, Concho Valley Family Alliance and Strengthening Child Welfare Continuum Group

Please follow this link for more information on CAC and their initiatives.