Council proclaims Protect Austin Kids Day; Center for Child Protection recognized for 856 forensic interviews in 2025

Council Member Jose Velasquez read a proclamation on March 12 recognizing Protect Austin Kids Day and honoring the Center for Child Protection for its work supporting children who have been victims of abuse.

"Today, we recognize Protect Austin Kids Day, a chance to acknowledge the often difficult but critically important work being done by advocates to prevent harm and to help children who have been victims of abuse," Velasquez said. He urged the community to "remember the 5 steps to protect Austin's kids": learn the facts, minimize opportunities for abuse, talk openly, recognize signs, and react responsibly.

The proclamation said the Center for Child Protection is the only nationally accredited children’s advocacy center in Travis County and cited the center’s 2025 work: "the center provided forensic interviews to 856 child victims," a figure read by Velasquez during the proclamation. The proclamation noted the center’s multidisciplinary partnerships with local police departments, the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), Dell Children’s Medical Center and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office.

A representative of the Center for Child Protection accepted the proclamation and provided a resource: "You can go to our website, at the centerforchildprotection.org to get more information regarding all of the different events that will be taking place," the representative said.

Velasquez and colleagues said the proclamation is intended to increase awareness and community prevention efforts; no formal council vote or policy change was recorded during the presentation.

The proclamation cited national recognition of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month and framed Protect Austin Kids Day as a local effort to amplify prevention and support.