Coalition of groups serve abused children

By Rosanne Lewis

Dallas CASA, along with Dallas County Child Abuse Prevention Coalition (CAPCO) partner agencies, hosted the annual Dallas County child abuse and neglect prevention awareness event featuring a moment of silence for the 13 children who died in Dallas County due to abuse or neglect during fiscal year 2023. That evening the downtown Dallas skyline was lit blue in recognition of child abuse awareness and prevention.

 Detective David Clark with the Dallas Police Department’s Child Exploitation Unit shared about some of the victims he has worked with and the difficulty for children to make an outcry against their abuser. He emphasized believing children, even if they disclose the abuse years later. “There is no right way or wrong way to disclose abuse,” he said. “We still have more work to do.”

Judge Sandre Street of the 256th district court spoke to thank those who work on behalf of vulnerable children. Speaking directly to caseworkers and law enforcement, she said: “We know that you guys are on the front lines for children every single day. You’re going toward the front lines, not away. We salute you. We know this work is not easy, but it’s the work of the heart.”

In-N-Out Burgers donated lunch for everyone attending the event (pictured below). CAPCO is comprised of several North Texas child welfare agencies, including Dallas CASA, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, the Dallas County Child Welfare Board, Family Compass, TexProtects and the United Way of Dallas’ HOPES Program.