Knowledge, Perspective, and Progress
Child abuse is a pervasive issues that affects children across our communities daily. Thanks to our multidisciplinary collaboration at events like the Joining Forces Conference, the process of investigating, intervening, and responding to child abuse cases has become faster and more effective. Both days were filled with up-to-date data, strategies, and tactics to equip our unified forces to help more children find hope, healing, & justice.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration Matters
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo and Starr Counties (CACHSC) works with law enforcements, Child Protective Services, and the District Attorney’s Offices to investigate and intervene in cases of child abuse. Our organization is part of a larger network of advocacy centers that have adopted the same effective model that the National CAC utilizes to help victims of child abuse and their non-offending family members. We take a multidisciplinary team approach and work to protect children from abuse and neglect by advocating for children and educating families on issues surrounding abuse.
Child abuse prevention and family well-being require the combined expertise of professionals from various disciplines—social workers, healthcare providers, educators, law enforcement, and community advocates. Each of these professionals brings a unique perspective and skill set, and when we collaborate effectively, we can address the complex needs of children and families more comprehensively.
Though there is still much to do, we celebrated progress and the outstanding dedication of our multidisciplinary partners across Hidalgo and Starr Counties.
Congratulations to these worthy award recipients!
The feedback from the 2024 Joining Forces Conference was overwhelmingly positive! An impressive 100% of attendees stated they would recommend the event to a colleague. Participants praised the engaging sessions, expert speakers, and valuable insights they gained, highlighting how the conference fostered a sense of community and collaboration. Many expressed how the content provided practical strategies and actionable knowledge, proving beneficial to their work in child advocacy.
Great knowledable speakers.
I learned so much.
Great answers to questions we don’t think to ask.
Gave insight into other agencies and how they work.
Real case examples with outcomes from the ADAs made it more interesting
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Thank You To Our Exceptional Keynote Speaker
The Honorable Carlos Villalon Jr.
Hidalgo County Child Protection Court
The Honorable Carlos Villalon Jr. was appointed Associate Judge for the Child Protection Court of the Rio Grande Valley West and presides over child welfare cases in both Hidalgo and Starr Counties. He served as a Commissioner on the Texas Children’s Commission and is currently serving as Chair of the Commission’s Statewide Collaborative on Trauma-Informed Care (“SCTIC”) Implementation Task Force. His court is a mentor site in the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges’ Implementation Sites Model Courts Project and the Child Protection Court Dual Status Pilot.
Judge Villalon earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Texas- Pan American in 1991; and after teaching middle school students for two years in La Joya, Texas, followed his post-graduate education at St. Mary’s University- School of Law where he earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in 1997. His career as an attorney has spanned both the private and public sectors with emphasis in Child Advocacy, Indigent Representation, Family Law, and Bankruptcy Law. His previous public service includes practice as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney, Assistant Attorney General, and Regional Attorney with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Breaking The Cycle Of Abuse One Child At A Time
The staff at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo and Starr Counties (CACHSC) play an invaluable role within our multidisciplinary team. Their unwavering dedication, compassion, and professionalism ensure that children and families affected by abuse receive the care, guidance, and advocacy they need to heal and move forward. Each team member contributes to creating a safe and supportive environment in our centers. We were pleased to take this opportunity to recognize a few whose tireless efforts went above and beyond reflecting their deep commitment and exceptional impact.
Breaking The Cycle Of Abuse One Child At A Time
Every year at the Joining Forces Conference, investigative agencies, medical professionals, mental health professionals, and crime victim advocates who work with children come together to strengthen our collaborative force. YOU can also play a crucial role in helping young victims overcome traumatic events, begin the healing process, and rebuild their lives.
Learn more about what it means to sponsor a service for a young victim of abuse.