Photo Credit: Matthew McCaigNews
Partners in Prevention Host Annual Child Abuse Prevention Month
On Wednesday, April 1, The Children’s Assessment Center (The CAC), Harris County Resources for Children and Adults, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and other community leaders joined forces to launch Child Abuse Prevention Month, bringing awareness to the realities of child abuse in our community.
In 2025, nearly 52,000 children were victims of abuse or neglect across the state of Texas. Tragically, 19 Harris County children lost their lives to child abuse and/or neglect, many at the hands of a parent or caretaker.
Preventing child abuse is everyone’s responsibility. This month, the public is encouraged to take time to learn how to identify, respond to, and help prevent child abuse and neglect.
Harris County Resources, DFPS, The CAC, DePelchin Children’s Center, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales, Fire Chief Thomas Munoz, Harris County DA Sean Teare, Harris County Attorney Jonathan Fombonne and special guest Michelle Hansford who shared her CPS experience fighting to regain custody of her son.
FY2025 Key Statistics:
1,200,000+ Children in Harris County
28,996 Completed CPS investigations in the Greater Houston area
8,155 Confirmed victims of child abuse or neglect in the Greater Houston area
82,610 Youth/Families served by DFPS prevention programs in Texas
8,551 Children and families received services at The CAC
29,632 At-risk youth and families received free prevention and mental health services through Harris County Resources for Children and Adults
45,694 Children received essential supplies such as clothes, shoes, diapers, formula, car seats and more through BEAR, a program of Harris County Resources for Children and Adults
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, contact the Texas Abuse Hotline at 800-252-5400 or online: TXAbuseHotline.org.
Source: The Children’s Assessment Center
