Children learn about the world and whether it is a safe place based on the care and attention they receive from their parents. However, sometimes things can happen that can shake that sense of security in the most profound way. When 8-year-old Christopher* came to the Center for Child Protection for an interview, it was apparent his world had been turned upside down. A stranger had attacked and attempted to kidnap him while he was walking from his home to his babysitter's house a couple of houses away. Though Christopher was able to get away from his attacker and get help, he was traumatized by the experience.

After the attack, Christopher, a previously healthy and independent child, became hypervigilant, fearful, clingy and tearful, even when accompanied by his parents. Christopher's parents, unfamiliar with this behavior from their son, found it difficult to cope with his high level of anxiety and fear. Christopher was able give information in his interview so detectives could search for his attacker. Meanwhile, Christopher received counseling at the Center, which has diminished his anxiety and fear significantly. His parent's strong emotional support and love for him have made a significant impact in his ability to heal. Although Christopher continues to work through his fears in therapy, he is able to take each day a step at a time. *Names and other identifying circumstances have been changed to protect the privacy of children and families.

Ann O'Connell is an assistant district attorney who is officed at the Center for Child Protection. She has been a prosecutor at the D.A.'s office since 2000, and tried child abuse cases in court for five years. Ann understands the importance of a multidisciplinary, team approach to child abuse cases. "Child abuse victims have a variety of issues to address--day to day physical safety, long-term emotional needs, and justice through the criminal court process. I enjoy working with team members to address those needs, and value the mutual respect and professionalism members show each other as we work together for each child through our respective agencies." Her proximity to all the agency partners who meet at the Center to "staff" a case ensures that everyone--forensic interviewers, law enforcement officers, CPS caseworkers, medical professionals and counseling staff--are "fully informed of the dynamics at play so they can properly help."

"A lot of people ask how you can do this kind of work, but I love it, it is very rewarding" says Ann. She believes one of the biggest myths is that a lot of people think that if a sexual child abuse outcry is delayed, nothing can be done. "Those types of cases can be very successful," she says. "The statute of limitations to prosecute these cases has been expanding over the years to promote victims coming forward years after the fact. Hearing a child abuse victim recount, as an adult, their abuse, and years of after effects, can be very compelling to juries." Though there may not be any physical evidence, the victim can explain using adult vocabulary their feelings and details they may not have been able to articulate as a child. "They have had a lot of time to think about what happened and how it has affected their lives," Ann explained. She says that it's important that children and families know about the resources and help available at the Center for Child Protection, so they will not have to carry such a heavy burden into their adulthood.

Austin celebrities put on their dancing shoes and their game face as they heated up the dance floor on Sunday evening, December 2nd, at the First Annual Dancing with the Austin Stars. Celebrity judges Larry Gatlin, Ed Clements, and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott enjoyed sharing their thoughts about the dances as they were announced by Dance Director Sabrina Barker. Audience members chose their favorite dance pair, Bill Jones and his professional dance partner Katie Parr, who won an enormous disco ball trophy for their Paso Doble and Salsa performance.

In addition, guests enjoyed a silent auction with exclusive parties and gingerbread houses from the area's finest restaurants, a semi-live auction, a live auction featuring a trip to Pebble Beach to attend the exclusive Concours D'Elegance, and a drawing for a Lexus Hybrid Luxury Utility Vehicle. Altogether, the evening's events raised $287K on the behalf of the Center for Child Protection. We are grateful to title sponsor Lexus of Austin, honorary chairs Coach Mack Brown and his wife Sally Brown, event chairs Jeanne Parker and Venus Strawn, Dance Director Sabrina Barker of All Ways Dance, sponsors, and all of the celebrity and professional dancers who made this event possible. Check out the latest pictures and a powerpoint presentation of the event to learn more!