Heroes & Legends
April 4th, 2023
Welcoming Hall of Famer Zach Thomas!
Education
Child abuse prevention education offered free of charge for students.
Training Schedule
Recognize, Respond and Report Training for professionals offered free of charge
About Child Abuse
The more you know, the better protected our children will be. Learn about the different types of child abuse.
What to expect at the Bridge
The Bridge is not a Law Enforcement or Child Protective Service agency. We are a nonprofit that works alongside law enforcement and CPS to provide a neutral, child friendly environment. The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center staff are specially trained professionals who care deeply about every child who comes to the center. While you and your child are at The Bridge you will receive support and services that include:
- Your child will be asked questions by a highly-trained forensic interviewer who specializes in asking neutral, non-leading questions. This interview, which will be recorded, reduces the negative impact of your child having to share his/her story multiple times.
- If requested by investigators, specially trained nurses will complete a physical exam in a safe, child-friendly exam room.
- Compassionate family advocates will help your family by providing information and referrals to community resources. Bridge family advocates will also assist with Crime Victims Compensation applications during your visit.
- Every family who comes to The Bridge is offered referrals for specialized counselors for both your child and non-offending family members.
Have a heart
Ways that donors helped Panhandle children and families in 2021
4,222
Adults received child abuse awareness and prevention education.
2,099
Family Members received referrals and advocacy services.
3,134
Children received child abuse awareness and prevention education.
1,335
Forensic Interviews were conducted by The Bridge.
297
Forensic Medical Exams were conducted by The Bridge.
The Bridge
Children’s Advocacy Center
“The Bridge is a founding member of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, a membership organization of over 70 Texas child advocacy centers, and a fully accredited member of the National Children’s Alliance, a membership association of over 300 children’s advocacy centers.
The Bridge is a comprehensive, child-focused program that offers a highly effective, one-stop approach to child abuse investigation enabling law enforcement, child protective services professionals, prosecutors, and the medical and mental health communities, to work together to assist child victims in a collaborative and cohesive manner.
The Bridge is not a law enforcement or children’s protective services agency; rather we bridge these agencies together on behalf of children and provide a safe, comforting atmosphere for children who have been traumatized by abuse or violence. The Bridge serves all 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle.”
What is CAC?
CAC’s are dedicated to ensuring that child victims and their families receive vital services at no cost. Because CAC’s in Texas are required to be governed by a local, community-based 501(c)(3) organization, they rely heavily on private dollars raised through foundation grants, individual and corporate gifts, civic and community support organizations, and special event fundraising.
The CAC Model
Children’s advocacy centers (CACs) provide a safe, child-friendly environment where law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medical and mental health professionals may share information and develop effective, coordinated strategies sensitive to the needs of each unique case and child.
