Dallas to welcome thousands for crime conference

By Britt Carman

Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC), the leading agency dedicated to combating child abuse in Dallas County and serving over 12,000 individuals annually, announced that the 38th annual Crimes Against Children Conference is starting August 2 at The Sheraton Hotel in Downtown Dallas. Since its inception, the conference has trained more than 101,000 professionals from all 50 states and numerous countries. 

Widely regarded as the leading global training conference dedicated to combating crimes against children, the 2026 Crimes Against Children Conference will bring thousands of frontline professionals together in Dallas for four days of specialized education, collaboration and hands-on learning. Presented annually by DCAC, the conference takes place August 2-6 and features more than 500 expert-led sessions designed for law enforcement, child protection professionals, prosecutors, clinicians, social workers and medical practitioners. Through immersive workshops, complex case studies and shared insights from experts and peers, attendees will gain practical tools and advanced strategies to strengthen how they investigate, prosecute, treat and respond to crimes impacting children. 

Last year, more than 4,700 professionals attended, and this year’s conference is expected to attract a similar sized crowd. Tim Tebow, a global advocate for vulnerable children and the fight against child exploitation, will serve as the opening plenary speaker, bringing his voice and advocacy to thousands of professionals dedicated to protecting children. The 2026 conference will feature 226 experts covering the most pressing and complex issues facing those who investigate, prosecute and respond to crimes against children. Attendees will also have access to hands-on training, case-based learning, networking opportunities and up to 21.5 continuing education credits per person throughout the five-day conference.

“Every person who comes to the Crimes Against Children Conference shares a common purpose: to better protect children,” said Lori Allen, president and CEO of Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center. “When thousands of professionals come together to learn from one another, share what is working and confront the challenges facing children today, the impact reaches far beyond the conference itself. They return to communities around the world better equipped to recognize abuse, pursue justice and help children heal. I am incredibly proud that DCAC continues to bring this community together and help move this critical work forward. This week of learning turns into a lifetime of impact.”

Held each summer just before the start of a new school year, the conference offers a vital window for professionals to strengthen their expertise and readiness as children return to classrooms and routines. The strategies and insights shared during the week are critical to improving the identification, investigation and prosecution of crimes against children. Drawing nearly 5,000 professionals from more than 16 countries, the conference remains a cornerstone in the global movement to safeguard children and hold offenders accountable.

At DCAC, life-changing work is carried out daily, providing justice and hope to the most severely abused children in our community. The organization is committed to coordinating the investigation of child abuse cases and delivering vital healing services to victims and their non-offending family members in Dallas County.

For more information, visit cacconference.org.