How is the Center different from Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the Austin Childrens Shelter?
The Center for Child Protection is where children and families go at the beginning of the abuse investigation process to receive a forensic interview and a host of intervention services. Some children seen at the Center for Child Protection have caregivers who will support and protect them. Others do not. When children are removed from their home or have ongoing involvement with Child Protective Services, a CASA volunteer may be appointed by the court to advocate for the child during civil court proceedings. These same children may be placed at the Austin Children’s Shelter while Child Protective Services completes their investigation and locates an appropriate foster home. Some children may need the services of all three agencies. However, our missions are distinctly unique and not duplicative in nature.
