FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Children’s Advocacy Centers™ of TexasPraises Passage of
Protect our Kids Act by Congress
CACTX hopes landmark legislation will prevent child abuse deaths
AUSTIN, Texas – January 9, 2013 –Texas has more per capita deaths from child abuse than any other state in the nation. That’s why Children’s Advocacy Centers™of Texas is pleased to see both houses of Congress pass the Protect Our Kids Act (H.R. 6655) to establish a national commission, appointed by the President and Congress, to develop recommendations to reduce the number of children who die from abuse and neglect. Texas Congressman Lloyd Doggett originally authored the legislation in 2011 and was among the bill’s sponsors when the House and Senate passed it this week.
“We applaud the work of Congressman Doggett for bringing this issue to the national dialogue,” says Joy Hughes Rauls, Executive Director of Children's Advocacy Centers™of Texas.
The national commission created in the Act will thoroughly research successful practices within the States and disseminate these findings giving Congress a blueprint for action. “Our centers work hand in hand with the dedicated professionals who investigate, prosecute and provide intervention in the most severe cases of child abuse and neglect,” says Rauls “Our coordinated, team approached is one of the many successful practices which can be utilized to prevent the occurrence of child fatalities as a vigilant multidisciplinary team may help identify children at risk of imminent harm and help intervene to protect them.”
The national commission will study a variety of issues, including data on fatalities, prevention methods, and the adequacy of current programs, and then make recommendations to reduce child maltreatment deaths.
“This is a prolific problem in the country and Congressman Doggett has been a champion for children’s advocacy centers and child welfare issues for a number of years,” says Rauls.
About Children’s Advocacy Center of Texas
Children’s Advocacy Centers™ of Texas, Inc. (CACTX) is the statewide membership association representing all local children’s advocacy centers in the Lone Star state. The CACTX membership roster includes 66 developing and established centers in large urban cities as well as in small rural communities. The mission of CACTX is to restore the lives of abused children by supporting Children's Advocacy Centers in partnership with local communities and agencies investigating and prosecuting child abuse. For more information visit