History/Timeline

In 1992 concerned citizens from Blanco, Burnet, Llano, Mason, and San Saba counties researched ways to improve the community response to child abuse in our counties. This research identified Children’s Advocacy Centers as the primary strategy to correct the inconsistencies in investigations and to stop re-victimization of the child by the very agencies responsible for protecting the child.

1992 - A Board of Directors with representatives from the various counties was formed. By-Laws were written, non-profit status was established, Interagency Agreements and Cooperative Working Agreements were signed by all concerned agencies, office space was donated and the first fundraiser was coordinated.

1993 -An Executive Director/Interviewer was hired in October, and the Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center opened its doors November 1. The first interview was conducted on November 3 that same year.

1994 - Lampasas County became a partner with the Center. The Center received grant funding through the Children’s Justice Act to support the position of Executive Director/Interviewer.

1994-1998 – Annual fundraising events and a Capital Campaign were conducted with proceeds being set aside for construction of a child friendly, home-like facility to house the Center and its growing staff.

1995 – With donated medical equipment, medical sexual abuse exams were provided on-site.

1995 – Established the Hill Country Child Fatality Review Team.

1996 – Received a grant through Victims Of Crime Act to hire additional staff and to contract with a local therapist to provide individual and group counseling.

1997 – Received a grant through the Meadows Foundation to complete the monies needed to build the new Center.

1998 – Moved into our new facility located in Burnet, Texas.

2000 – Through a grant from the Attorney Generals Office hired a fulltime Forensic Interviewer.

2004 – Added Mills County to the Center's official service area.

2005 - Hired an on-site therapist.

Each year the number of child victims and their non-offending family members receiving services increases. In 2002 the Center saw a 196% increase in victims served over the previous year. The need for services to this very special population continues to increase which means an every increasing need for your support.

The Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center is one of the first advocacy centers to be established in Texas. There are 58 centers of varying sizes and scope of services in Texas and 334 advocacy centers throughout the country.