Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families affected by sexual abuse through education and intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Hill Country Children's Advocacy Center?
The Hill Country Children's Advocacy Center (HCCAC) is a501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization which uses a multi-agency approach to the investigation, intervention, and treatment of child sexual and physical abuse. Our facility includes a staff of highly skilled and specially trained individuals who work closely with Child Protective Service (CPS), law enforcement organizations, as well as other agencies involved in investigating such cases.
Why is HCCAC necessary?
The criminal justice system, a system primarily designed for adult perpetrators, not child victims. The process lacks coordination between police, prosecution, mental health and medical agencies. Before HCCAC, children were often "re-victimized" through unnecessary and repetitive interviews due to each agency's independent process. It often duplicated efforts and complicated information in an already complex legal system. The Center helps overcome these problems by reducing child trauma, enhancing investigation, and resulting in improve lives for child victims and higher conviction rates for offenders.
Who does the HCCAC serve?
The HCCAC serves 8 counties including, Blanco, Burnet, Brown, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, Mills and San Saba. HCCAC primarily serves children under the age of 18 who have been the victim of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, neglect or witness to a violent crime. HCCAC also serves community professionals through development and training, as well as providing programs to civic groups and other services providers on child abuse related topics.
Are clients charged for services?
When a child is referred to HCCAC for forensic interview services, there is no charge to the families. These services are provided in cooperation with law enforcement, Child Protective Services, and the District Attorney's Office.
Who supports HCCAC?
Support for HCCAC comes from an array of sources including individual donations, corporate contributions, foundation grants, government grants, and special events.
How are children referred to HCCAC?
Children are primarily referred through the two agencies that are mandated to receive reports of child abuse: Child Protective Services and law enforcement.
Who are victims?
Approximately 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before their 18th birthday. 1 in 5 children is sexually solicited on the internet. Only 1 in 10 children will tell someone about their abuse. Most children never tell. They are too ashamed. 90% of children are abused by someone they know and trust. The Hill Country Children's Advocacy Center serves on average 300 children per year.
Who are perpetrators?
Perpetrators "groom" their victims over long periods of time in a means to establish, trust, a false sense of safety and security. Children are often victimized people who they know and trust such as a parent, guardian, sibling, coach, or a teacher.
hccac@hccac.org