If you suspect child abuse call: 1-800-252-5400

If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

To report suspected abuse:

A brick house with a dark shingle roof, large front windows, and a well-maintained garden with colorful flowers, under a partly cloudy sky with contrails.

Contact our offices for guidance & information

Center Office

131 Tenaha Street, Center, TX 75935

(936) 590-9864

A light yellow building with a gabled roof, dark green door, and brick accents at the base. Bows and flowers adorn the front entrance. Surrounding greenery includes bushes and trees, with a concrete walkway leading to the door. The background features a partly cloudy blue sky.

San Augustine Office

201 North Harrison Street, San Augustine, TX 75972

(936) 590-9864

Frequently Asked Questions

  • You need to bring the child(ren) that is being interviewed and a picture I.D. of the adult transporting the child.  

  • Please do not ask your child(ren) any more questions about the abuse. Please see the forensic interview for more information.  You can contact the CAC for directions at 936-590-9864 or view the address on our contact us page.

  • The CAC is not a reporting agency for child abuse.  We assist in the investigation process and provide services once a child’s outcry has been confirmed. If you have questions about where to start, please contact us and a specialist can help direct you to the appropriate resource: 936-590-9864 If you suspect a child has been abused, please call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or you can report online at https://www.txabusehotline.org. If you suspect a child is in immediate danger please contact your local law enforcement or dial 911. 

  • No, we do not assess children to see if they have been sexually abused.  The CAC provides forensic interviews of children who have made an outcry of abuse.  Forensic interviews may only be scheduled by law enforcement or Child Protective Services.  If you suspect a child has been abused please call the Texas Abuse Hotline 1-800-252-5400 or you can report online at https://www.txabusehotline.org. If you suspect your child is in immediate danger please contact your local law enforcement or dial 911.

  • Child victims are prioritized at the CAC. However, depending on availability, adult survivors will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

  • The CAC does not help with divorce or custody issues. This is a civil matter and you may need to contact an attorney for legal advice.

  • If your child discloses that they are thinking of hurting themselves or someone else you child needs to be seen for a risk assessment to ensure the safety of others and themselves.

    Children and children with a history of abuse are a high-risk population for suicide. 

    Please do not hesitate to contact: 


    Burke Center 24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-392-8343

    Or take your child to the nearest emergency room for help. 

    If you feel your child is in immediate danger, or you do not feel safe transporting your child please call 911.

  • The CAC does not take complaints against CPS or law enforcement.For complaints against CPS you need to contact the Office of Consumer Affairs by phone, fax or email to file a complaint. To call, dial 1-800-720-7777 Monday-Friday during regular business hours.

    For law enforcement contact your local law enforcement.

  • The CAC does not house families or individuals. If you need a place to stay in reference to domestic violence, please contact the Family Crisis Center of East Texas at 1-800-828-7233 or call 211 for additional resources.

  • Yes, if you or your child are beginning to have difficulty with the abuse again, please call the CAC and speak to the Clinical Director to resume your counseling sessions.

  • Yes, the CAC will see your child to get them ready for court. 

  • We do not “intervene” but can speak to the worker and see what is happening, and maybe help the client understand what is going on in the investigation. We work as a liaison for our clients. 

  • We do not have lawyers on staff and do not get involved in custody hearings.

  • The CAC’s counseling department provides trauma-specific counseling services for children with outcries of abuse and to non-offending family members dealing with abuse in the home. We do not provide ADHD counseling.

  • We do not have funding, but can provide referrals for our clients to agencies that are able to assist your needs.

  • The CAC clinical counselors are licensed by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC). You may contact the Council through their Contact Us webpage: bhec.texas.gov/contact-us

    24-hour, toll-free complaint line: (800) 821-3205

  • If you have concerns about counseling services, we encourage you to first speak with your provider or contact our Clinical Supervisor at 936-590-9864. You may also file a consumer complaint with:

    Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC)bhec.texas.gov/discipline-and-complaints

    Office of the Attorney General of Texas – Consumer Protection Divisiontexasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint

    Consumer Protection Hotline: (800) 621-0508

  • To request mental health records, please contact the CAC’s Custodian of Records.

    Email: jlandaverde@shelbycountycac.com
    Phone: 936-590-9864

    Please include the following information with your request:

    • Your full name, relationship to the individual (if applicable), phone number, email address, and mailing address

    • Full name of the individual whose records are requested

    • Date of birth and last known address

    • Date range of records requested (if known) and purpose of request

    • Signed authorization or legal documentation (if requesting on behalf of someone else)

    Requests are typically processed within 15 days.

what can i do to protect kids today?

Dream Big For Children

Child sexual abuse is a silent epidemic too many fail to recognize. Statistics tell us that 1 in 10 children will be victimized by their 18th birthday. We can change that, but first, we must acknowledge that it exists.

Talk to Your Child

Start the conversation at a very young age. Speak to your child in a way that is warm, open, and supportive. Important conversations like these should take place in the context of a supportive, trusting relationship.

Discuss boundaries. Teach your child their body is their own. Teach your child the correct names for body parts.

It’s okay to say “No” to an adult. Give your child permission to say NO to an adult. Explain if someone makes him/her feel uncomfortable, find a safe place to go and then tell a trusted adult what happened as soon as possible.

Never keep secrets. Teach your child that secrets can be hurtful. Explain that an adult should never ask a child to keep a secret and if someone does, to tell you right away.

reduce the risk

80% of sexual abuse occurs during one-on-one situations. Protect your child by minimizing opportunity,making sure that multiple adults are present. You can set an example by personally avoiding one-on-one situations with children other than your own.

be alert

In Texas, 98% of children sexually abused are victimized by someone the family KNOWS and TRUSTS. Perpetrators can be found any place children gather; schools, churches, youth serving organizations, and sadly, sometimes even families.

know the signs

Trust your instincts. Some signs of abuse are more obvious than others. Suspected abuse is enough of a reason to contact authorities. You do not need proof.

The Signs Of Abuse

  • Unexplained injuries

  • Changes in behavior

  • Returning to earlier behaviors such as thumb-sucking & bed-wetting

  • Fear of certain places or people

  • Changes in eating

  • Changes in sleeping

  • Changes in school performance & attendance

  • Lack of personal care or hygiene

  • Risk-taking behaviors

  • Inappropriate secual behaviors

What to do

Report It! www.txabusehotline.org or call 1-800-252-5400. Visit www.cactx.org for more information.