Communicating with any child can present challenges but when the child has a disability, extra patience and skill are required. Alicia was a twelve-year-old who was full of energy and spunk but had difficulty being understood. Her confinement to a wheel chair, caused by a medical condition, did not slow her down. She was what you would call a "determined" preteen at whatever she put her mind to. Awkward physical and emotional outbursts could not mask the optimistic adolescent she was becoming. Unfortunately, a trusted adult in her life lashed out at her by striking her across her face and body. To protect her safety, she confided in a trusted teacher, which resulted in her visiting the Center for Child Protection for a forensic interview.

For Alicia, a special style of questioning had to be implemented so that she could easily understand and answer. The Center for Child Protection's forensic interviewer worked with Alicia's caseworker to determine how to best communicate with her, so that she could talk to Alicia in a manner that did not upset or confuse her. By taking the time to build rapport with Alicia and by being patient with her speech and motor impairments, the interviewer was able to determine exactly how Alicia had been hit and what happened. This information was in turn used to make plans for Alicia's safety at home. Though a small percentage of the children who come to the Center for Child Protection have a disability, staff members are trained to adapt to the specific needs of each child. The determination of both Alicia and the interviewer means that Alicia will no longer have to endure physical harm. *Names and other identifying circumstances have been changed to protect the privacy of children and families.

Sergeant Pat Cochran of the Austin Police Department's Child Abuse Unit has been policing in Austin for the last 22 years. He spent 8 years as a detective and is currently a sergeant of the Child Abuse Unit supervising 13 detectives who investigate crimes against children. The Child Abuse Unit is one of the largest investigative units on the force; only the Homicide/Cold Case Unit has more detectives. Before his interview for this newsletter, he had recently returned from an interview with a news reporter to publicize a perpetrator's likeness and profile, so the community could be on alert to watch for and report the whereabouts of a perpetrator who had harmed a child. When asked how the Austin Police Department (APD) conducts their investigations, Sgt. Cochran shared that detectives are in constant contact with CPS workers and the Center for Child Protection. APD relies on the Center for Child Protection's forensic interviewers to obtain victim statements from children, most under age 13.

"Sexual assault is truly one of the most terrible crimes because the victim must live with the consequences," Sgt. Cochran remarked. That's why he says it's so helpful for children to have the advocacy of CPS workers who provide services for families, APD's victim services team who offers support to the victim during the investigation, and the Center for Child Protection which offers a safe haven for the child's initial forensic interview, immediate crisis intervention, counseling and follow-up. A big issue that Sgt. Cochran sees is that most people think that child abuse is all about dangerous people they don't know. "Child abuse is not about strangers in a park," he says. "We should be focused on situations [such as] children being left with adults they shouldn't be left with." To get the word out to dispel myths and protect more children, the Austin Police Department's Child Abuse Unit is attempting to make arrangements to show two public service announcements during April, Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month. When asked why he decided to get into policing, Sgt. Cochran responded, "It's a good way to serve and be a public servant...You can get out there and make a difference."

Renting a first apartment is a thrill for a young person who is moving and starting out on their own. Their parents and family often assist with the move by lending household items and loads of moral support. Local teenagers exiting foster care, on the other hand, often have a far smaller supportive network. You can lend a helping hand at a critical time in their lives by participating in our annual "Project Graduation" drive for Life Kits. Life Kits contain all the household items a young person might need to set up their first apartment. These Life Kits will be distributed to local teens in the Preparation for Adult Living program who will soon age out of foster care. You can purchase items from a wish list or donate toward the purchase of a complete Life Kit which costs $200 each. Drop off donations by April 30th at the Center for Child Protection so they can delivered before high school graduations begin. Contact Program Coordinator Collin Cook at 512/472-1164 x239 for more information.

The Friends of Christopher Guild, a volunteer leadership organization supporting the Center for Child Protection, announced their 10-year anniversary of serving child abuse victims. These volunteers work with children and families, coordinate donation drives, and hold fundraisers such as the PlayBingo Ladies Luncheon, The Domain PlayBingo Shopping Extravaganza, and the annual Luxury Lexus Car Raffle. Guild Officers and new members recently convened at the Lieutenant Governor's Reception Room at the Capitol at the Annual Friends of Christopher Guild Induction held February 21, 2008. This year's officers are Debbie Kern, president; Julia Medick, vice-president; Jan Duska, treasurer; and Marycane Hansen, secretary. Leslie Dawson, Edie Finch, Susan Hackney, Bobbie Sumner and Naomi Tate make up the Guild Leadership Committee.

Longtime Guild members Mary Wilbur, Debby Slater, Nicky Brademan, Vicki Landon, Deidre Vedder, Marjann Cooper, and Tonya Cooley received special recognition for their dedication and service to the Guild. The Guild also introduced new members which include Carol Almy, Dorothy Daniel, Judy Donohue, Dana Finger, Sharon Johnson, Delores Kasper, Debbie Parpounas, and Lara Wendler. The Friends of Christopher Guild's anniversary year will include a special observance at the 5th Annual PlayBingo Ladies Luncheon to be held at the Hilton Austin on November 1, 2008. This annual fundraiser has netted $228,000 on behalf of the Center for Child Protection.
Guild Leadership 2008

• We appreciate The Long Foundation for their generous support of our Spanish Family Advocate Program.
• We are grateful to GoGo Gourmet, Chipotle Grill, and Mama Fu's for providing refreshments at our spring volunteer orientation and training.