Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families affected by sexual abuse through education and intervention.
What We Do
There are many steps that we follow...
The Hill Country Children's Advocacy Center provides a safe and child-friendly environment.
Yello Dyno
Yello Dyno is a child safety program that teaches elementary school children important safety rules.
For more information, see our
Yello Dyno page.
Forensic Interview
A primary goal of the center is to reduce the number of times a child has to give their statement about their abuse. The center has created a neutral home-like atmosphere for the interviews of and services for abused children. The center has on staff a well-trained professional who specializes in obtaining the child's statement about what happened using non-suggestive, non-leading question techniques. Having knowledgeable, neutral interviewers speaking with children helps to provide a more accurate and consistent account of the abuse from the child.
The number of interviews are kept to a minimum by videotaping the child's statement. Various agencies involved in the case can review the dvd as needed without requiring the child to give their statement again. These videotaped interviews result in a more fair and accurate gathering of case information and have also helped to establish a trusting relationship between the child and the interviewer. The center provides services to more than 300 children each year. The center accepts referrals for forensic interviews from Child Protective Services, law enforcement, district/county attorneys, and judges.
Therapy services
HCCAC offers a variety of services ranging from crisis intervention and family support to group, family, and individual therapy of child victims, siblings and non-offending caregivers. Using a holistic approach to treatment helps restore a child's sense of self, comfort and safety. Expressive therapies including play, art, and sandtray therapies allow children to express their feelings in creative, non-threatening ways. Therapy teaches children they are not alone, helps them understand the abuse is the responsibility of the offender, and ultimately provides a healthy, guilt-free way to avoid long-term trauma.
SANE Exam
A sexual assault medical forensic examination referred to as SANE exam is performed by specially trained medical professionals for the purpose of evaluation and treatment of trauma, treatment of possible exposure to infection, referral to counseling and follow-up medical care, and for the collection of evidence following a report of sexual assault by a victim. The medical well-being of the patient is the primary objective of the SANE at all times during the examination.