March 2020
FEBRUARY STATS

In February, 313 children spent time in our Activity Center. Additionally, our Therapy Department provided 834 services to 330 clients and family members, our Forensic Interviewers conducted 102 interviews, and the Family Advocacy & Support Services Department provided 1,054 services to 351 clients.
CHILD ABUSE CASES EXPECTED TO RISE
While school closures and mandated isolation is vital to the health and safety of our community, the sad reality is that it puts children at far greater risk of abuse. This is compounded by children not having access to safe adults to report abuse that is happening in their homes.

Hospitals in the metroplex are already seeing a rise in severe abuse cases. CBS DFW released an article highlighting the issue. Doctors at Cook Children’s Hospital say they believe the stresses from the coronavirus pandemic are linked to six cases of severe child abuse seen at the hospital just this week.
“We knew an increase in abuse was going to occur, but this happened faster than we ever imagined,” said Christi Thornhill, Director of the Trauma Program, The CARE Team and Fostering Health at Cook Children’s. “I mean this happened in a week and these are really bad abuse cases.”
By law, we are all mandated to report if we have any reason to believe a child is being abused. If you suspect abuse, please report it immediately to the child abuse hotline at 1.800.252.5400. Help us protect those who cannot protect themselves.
CAREGIVER'S GUIDE TO HELP FAMILIES COPE WITH COVID-19
During this global pandemic, we are surrounded by stressors and know that many are struggling, even children. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has created a resource guide for caregivers to help you think about how an infectious disease outbreak might affect your family—both physically and emotionally—and what you can do to help your family cope. Click the link to learn more.
Please follow us on our social media channels for updates, tips, and resources during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
GALA 2020 UPDATE

Following the latest restrictions and guidelines on social distancing, and for the safety of the entire community, we have made the difficult, but necessary decision to cancel Gala 2020, “A Kaleidoscope of Color” which was to be held on April 4th at the Star in Frisco.

We are working diligently on plans to make this a virtual event. The funds raised at our annual Gala are critical to our mission of providing safety, healing, and justice to those impacted by child abuse in our community. It is due in part to this annual event, and donors like you, that we are able to offer services to 100 percent of those who need them. Please stay tuned for more information as we make plans for Gala 2020 to become an online event, date yet to be determined.

In the meantime, tickets for the annual Lexus Raffle, presented by DFW Lexus Dealers are still available and the raffle will still be held at a later date. Stay tuned as we will be in touch with all ticket purchasers.

FOR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Dana Packard, Special Events Manager
dpackard@caccollincounty.org | 972.633.6602
Lori Geer, VP of Development
lgeer@caccollincounty.org | 972.633.6611
MAKING IT WORK
CACCC Staff Update

We know that the work we do at the Center is critical to many children and families in our community. As the status of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) changes daily in Collin County and surrounding communities, we remain mission-focused and are continuing to provide services to those affected by child abuse in a safe and secure environment.

While a group of staff members remain on-site ready to respond to children and families in need, many of our staff members are working from home. Like many of you, our staff members have setup home offices while balancing child care, homeschooling, or sharing space with a loved one or pet.

We've conducted teleconference meetings, shared online resources that help us complete tasks, and even shared wellness and self-care tips. Next week our therapists will begin offering Tele-Health services to clients so they can continue receiving therapy services. Clients who are in crisis and need to be seen in person can still be seen at the Center. I'm amazed by the resilience and adaptability of my co-workers. The lines of communication have been open, and our leadership is strong.

We know that the need for our services won't stop, and neither will we. Thank you all for your continued support. We understand how difficult this situation is for so many.

Wishing you all health and safety,
Jamie Ginden
Community Relations Manager
For more information on the actions Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County has taken during this time, please click the link below.
Estell & Pope Families • Carolyn & Mark Speese • DADS Advisory Fund • Cathy & Richard Riccardi • B.B. Owen Trust • City-Wide Roofing • Cindy and Tom Heckard • Junior League of Collin County • St. Andrew United Methodist Church Seekers Class • Spark Tank