Leander - Liberty Hill | December 2023

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Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center sta began seeing clients in their expanded and renovated facility in mid-October. The WCCAC, which serves as a centralized hub for agencies responding to child abuse and neglect cases, has been located at 1811 SE Inner Loop, Georgetown, since 2007. WCCAC Chief Advancement Ocer Ti any Sturman said the original building was designed for eight to 10 sta members plus clients and families. However, the center sta has grown to about 30 in the last 15 years. Sturman said statistically speaking, data shows 10% of children within a community will be sexually abused before they turn 18. That number doesn’t include children who experience physical abuse or neglect, witnessed a traumatic event or are raised in a home with domestic violence—all of whom the center serves, Sturman said. Future demand for the WCCAC’s services will be driven by continued growth in the county and more awareness of them through education campaigns, Sturman said. In scal year 2022-23, which ended in September, the WCCAC conducted 917 forensic interviews, up from about 800 conducted in years prior. The renovation process also allowed the sta the opportunity to aesthetically improve the center, adding tree motifs, soothing colors and natural light throughout the building. County children’s advocacy center expands facility

Previous footprint

Expanded footprint

Digging in deeper

8,000 23,000

Square feet

The expansion was funded through a $15.5 million comprehensive capital campaign. From 2019-22, Williamson County Commission- ers Court allocated $9.8 million toward the project, paying for the bulk of construction costs. The facility was built with WCCAC’s partners in mind, Sturman said. It houses a space where law enforcement agency and CPS ocials can work as well as an event center to host community groups. The organization has received funds totaling 86% of their goal, and the remaining funding would support additional amenities, expanded stang and facility maintenance, according to WCCAC documents. “I think that people see that we’re able to serve them well here, and they’re going to be really cared for whether that’s a partner agency or family,” WCCAC CEO Kerrie Stannell said.

Forensic interview rooms Family advocacy rooms Medical examination room

Therapy rooms

How the WCCAC works

1 A report is made Once a report of abuse or neglect is made, the appropriate authority determines whether to pursue an investigation. 2 The forensic interview • An expert from the WCCAC staff asks open-ended questions, encouraging the child to describe their experiences. • Investigators watch the interview through a one-way mirror. 3 Connecting to resources WCCAC sta meets with the family to determine any immediate needs. 4 Medical forensic exams The WCCAC provides medical forensic exams, including ones where there’s a possibility to collect evidence. 5 Trauma therapy The center provides therapy for clients to help the child and family heal.

$9.8M Williamson County

$1.15M Community partners, including Toyota $2.4M Remaining in campaign $2.15M Private gifts

Total $15.5M

of Cedar Park, the Williamson County District Attorney’s Oce, the Williamson County Sheri’s Oce, and the cities of Georgetown and Cedar Park

In addition to supporting the WCCAC’s sta and maintenance, the rest of the campaign would fund: • A playground for children and their families • A gazebo • Outdoor seating

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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