In the early 1990s, the realm of child protection was a disjointed labyrinth of communication that left both children and the community vulnerable to the horrors of child abuse. The system comprised a convoluted web of agencies, marked by a lack of comprehensive training and woeful communication. This patchwork approach posed a dire threat to the safety of children within Travis County.
Child Protective Services (CPS) found itself tasked with the solemn responsibility of assessing the safety of homes where children were often victims of abuse within their own households. Simultaneously, law enforcement officers worked diligently to investigate crimes, identify perpetrators, and ensure the welfare of both the child and the community. However, crucially, these agencies operated in relative isolation, and their collaboration was often an afterthought, if it occurred at all.
Moreover, the involvement of prosecutors frequently entered late in the process once the groundwork of the investigation had been laid. This sometimes resulted in cases that were missing vital evidence, direction, and the essential components necessary for advancement through the legal system, from grand juries to criminal courts. Child victims, already burdened by their traumatic experiences, were subjected to repeated interviews, often conducted by individuals lacking proper training in child development and an understanding of the profound impact of trauma on a young victim’s mind.
AYLA and Travis County Women Lawyers’ Association members recently volunteered with the Center for Child Protection, packing essentials kits and organizing the kids’ closet (L-R): Alisa Holahan, Alyse Munrose, AYLA President Sarah Harp, Laura Smith, Madison Donaldson, Meghan Kempf, Gabrielle Smith, Rachel Luna, Emily Morris, and Jenna Malsbary.