Providing Justice. Restoring Hope.
2025 ANNUAL REPORT
A
Message from the Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees
At Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, our work is rooted in a simple belief: protecting children is a shared responsibility. It belongs to all of us—as neighbors, as leaders, and as a community.
Every day, DCAC serves children and families who have experienced abuse at the most vulnerable moments of their lives. What happens next matters. Because of DCAC’s multidisciplinary approach, children are cared for, believed and supported through a process designed to reduce trauma and promote healing. Families are not left to navigate complex systems alone. Instead, they are surrounded by professionals who work together with purpose and intention.
As a Board, we are entrusted with stewarding this mission on behalf of the children of Dallas County. That responsibility guides our governance, our oversight, and our decisions about the future of the organization. We are committed to ensuring DCAC remains strong, stable, and prepared to meet the needs of the children and families who rely on us, both today and in the years ahead.
This annual report reflects that commitment. It tells the story of impact made possible by dedicated staff, trusted partners, and a community that continues to show up. It also reflects careful stewardship of resources and a focus on sustainability, so that DCAC can continue this work without interruption.
Our kids deserve safety and dignity. Our city is stronger when we protect the most vulnerable. And it is our duty to ensure this work continues with integrity, compassion, and commitment.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your belief in this mission. We are honored to stand alongside you in this work.
With gratitude,
Colbie Brazell Campbell Chairwoman, Board of Trustees
Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center
Mission & Model
Our Mission
The mission of Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center is to improve the lives of abused children in Dallas County and to provide national leadership on child abuse issues.
Since opening our doors in 1991, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center has served more than 135,000 children and non-offending family members across Dallas County.
What began as a bold idea—that children in Dallas County deserve a better response to abuse—has grown into a nationally recognized model of care, collaboration, and accountability.
Today, DCAC continues to lead the field by strengthening how communities respond when children find the courage to speak.
Teaching the World
Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center serves not only our community, but also professionals across the globe.
Through the Crimes Against Children Conference, specialized lecture series, community training and on-demand learning, DCAC convenes thousands of individuals each year committed to protecting children.
Law enforcement officers, prosecutors, medical professionals, therapists, educators, and advocates gather to share knowledge, refine investigative practices, and advance the field of child protection.
Parents, caregivers, and community members come together to build awareness, recognize concerns, and help create safe, supportive environments for children.
Together, this global community strengthens the response to crimes against children everywhere.
Our Model: Collaboration That Protects Children
Child abuse cases are complex. Without coordination, children may be forced to tell their story again and again—compounding trauma.
DCAC’s multidisciplinary team model changes that.
Professionals across law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medical care, advocacy, and mental health work together with DCAC staff in one coordinated response.
Children bravely tell their story
Justice and healing move forward together
Families receive the support they need
Protecting children begins with believing them.
Impact & Outcomes
Protecting Children. Strengthening Families.
Every number in this report represents something deeply personal: a child believed, a family supported, a step toward healing.
But the impact reaches further.
When children receive the support they need, families stabilize and communities grow stronger. The work happening inside Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center ripples outward, strengthening the safety and well-being of Dallas County as a whole.
9,158
Cases reviewed by the Coordination Services Team
1,725
Forensic interviews completed by the Forensic Services Team
Extending Our Expertise
5,681
Clients received wraparound support from the Advocacy Services Team
14,902
Hours of Therapy for Clients in Clinical Services
DCAC equips professionals and communities with the knowledge and tools needed to recognize, report, and respond to abuse.
Through in-person training, video-based curricula, and specialized workshops, we help child protection professionals and community members better protect children in their care.
What begins in Dallas strengthens child protection efforts around the world.
The World’s Largest Conference of Its Kind
Each year, Dallas becomes the global hub for those working to prevent and respond to crimes against children.
The Crimes Against Children Conference, hosted by DCAC, is the largest gathering of its kind in the world. With more than 200 expert faculty members presenting workshops, case studies, and emerging research, the conference equips thousands of professionals with the tools they need to better protect children and support survivors. Adobe
4,716
Attendees from every US state and 19 countries
525 Workshops and Case Studies
52 On-demand Sessions
252 Expert Speakers
35 Sponsors and Partners
National Sponsors
Partners & Advocates
A Community United for Children
Protecting children requires more than one organization, it requires an entire community working together.
Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center stands alongside a powerful network of partners who share a common purpose: ensuring that children are protected and families receive the support they need.
This coordinated response ensures children do not fall through the cracks and that no family must navigate the path to healing alone.
Law Enforcement Partners
Addison Police Department
Balch Springs Police Department
Carrollton Police Department
Cedar Hill ISD Police Department
Cedar Hill Police Department
Cockrell Hill Police Department
Coppell Police Department
Dallas County District Attorney
Dallas County Juvenile Department
Dallas County Sheriff
Dallas ISD Police Department
Dallas Police Department
Desoto Police Department
Duncanville Police Department
Farmers Branch Police Department
Garland Police Department
Medical Partners
Children’s Health System, Children’s Medical Center
Medical City Children’s Hospital
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics
Community Organizations
Dallas County Southwestern Institute of Forensic Science (SWIFS) Traffick911
Glenn Heights Police Department
Grand Prairie Police Department
Highland Park Department of Public Safety
Hutchins Police Department
Irving Police Department
Lancaster Police Department
Mesquite Police Department
Richardson Police Department
Rowlett Police Department
Sachse Police Department
Seagoville Police Department
Sunnyvale Police Department
Texas Department of Public Safety
University Park Police Department
Wilmer Police Department
Protective Services
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services:
Adult Protective Services
Child Protective Investigations
Child Protective Services
Residential Child Care Investigations
The partners listed above represent agencies with formal Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with DCAC. Each year, DCAC collaborates with more than 300 partner organizations to deliver justice, healing, and hope for children in our community.
The Power of Community
Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center’s mission is strengthened every day by people who choose to get involved.
Volunteers give their time. Supporters lend their voice. Donors invest in the future of children.
Each act of generosity, large or small, helps build a safer, stronger community for the children of Dallas County.
Protecting children is not the responsibility of one organization alone.
We all must do our part.
7,696
Volunteer hours supporting children in our community
62,741
Individuals educated by DCAC’s Training and Community Outreach Team
86%
Percentage of every dollar donated that goes directly to client services
Protecting children is not the responsibility of one organization— it is the work of an entire community.
Stewardship & Stability
Giving That Protects Children
At Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, healing happens because a community chooses to stand with children.
Every dollar entrusted to DCAC reflects a shared belief that protecting children is not optional. It is our shared responsibility.
Your financial support makes it possible for trained professionals to walk alongside children and families every day, providing care, advocacy, and hope when it is needed most.
Together, donors and frontline professionals ensure that children never face abuse alone.
Private Grants & Contributions
$1,645,853
Special Events
$1,993,556
Public Funding & Government Grants
$5,641,922
Education Revenue
$3,814,063
Investment Income
$1,504,037
Rent from Partner Agencies
$194,335
In-Kind Contributions
$195,284
Other
$139,766
Our responsibility is to respond to abuse today, and build stronger systems that protect children tomorrow.
Sustained Support to Ensure Hope
Circle of Hope is a dedicated community of donors who share a vision for a safer, brighter future for children. Through their collective generosity and multiyear giving, members make a profound and lasting impact, ensuring that children who have experienced abuse receive the protection, the healing, and care they deserve. They are champions of our mission and stewards of our future.
Barbara B. Aileen
Ruth and Kenneth Altshuler*
Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation
Judee and Chad Barrett
The Theodore and Beulah Beasley Foundation
Elizabeth and Peter Beck
Benchmark Bank
BlueCross BlueShield
Bluer Skies Children’s Foundation (MAPP)
Sarah and Scott Breitkreutz
Brightview Landscape Development
Colbie and Ches Campbell
Capital for Kids
The Carlson Foundation
CEC Companies
City Electric Supply
Comerica Bank
Catherine and Tanner Cope
Adriane and Andy Crosland
The Dallas Foundation
Dallas Service Forum
Lisa and Lynn Davis
The Deitch Family
Doswell Foundation
DPR Construction
Elizabeth Toon Charities
Brittney and Scott Everett
Every Page Foundation
Energy Transfer Partners
Anonymous Foundation
Megan and Jonathan Filgo
Linda Gardner
Giffin Family
Somer and Doyle Glass
Kara and Randall* Goss
Richa and Puneet Gupta
The Patrick and Beatrice Haggerty Foundation
Georgina Hartland
Hawn Foundation, Inc.
Julie and Jonathan Heckmann
Penny and Jamie Helwig
Simon and Louise Henderson Foundation
Highland Capital Philanthropies
Kirsten Hill Donor Advised Fund
Kelsey and Jay Hills
Michelle and Austin Hopper
The Horizon Foundation
Kristen and Bill Howell
In-N-Out Burger Foundation
Lindsay and Chuck Jacaman
Junior League of Dallas, Inc.
Kline Family Foundation
Leah and Kyle Koontz
Tracey and Aaron Kozmetsky
KPMG
Kate and John Kunasek
LABORA
Kate and John LeGere
Houlihan Lokey
Lyda Hill Philanthropies
The Mahjong Line
Maverick Capital Foundation
Mary Blake and Chuck Meadows
Katy and Kyle Miller
The Moody Foundation
Minda and Gary Moor
Laura and Scott Moore
Stacy and Sean Murphy Family
Jodi and Brian Neitzel
Neuberger Berman Foundation
Heather and Corbett Nichter
Margot Perot
The Rees-Jones Foundation
The Rosewood Foundation
Jenny and Adam Saphier
Erin and Collin Schuhmacher
Debbie and Ric* Scripps
Sewell Automotive Companies
Susie Simon*
The Sulentic Family Foundation
Kelly and Clayton Sporich
Anonymous Trust
United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Inc.
Weaver Foundation
Amy Hudson Warren
Kelcy Warren
Meredith and Jack Woodworth
Katherine and Austin Wyker
*deceased
Investing in the Future
The work of protecting children does not end with one generation.
In 2025, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center launched the Ruth Altshuler Legacy Giving Society, honoring one of DCAC’s most dedicated champions.
Ruth believed deeply that protecting children is one of a community’s most important responsibilities. Her legacy of leadership, generosity, and advocacy continues to shape this work.
Members of the Legacy Society share that same belief, ensuring that DCAC remains strong for the children and families who will need us in the years ahead.
dcac.org/legacy
A community reveals its values in how it protects its children.
Leadership & Vision
Our Mission
To improve the lives of abused children in Dallas County and provide national leadership on child abuse issues.
Executive Leadership
Lori Allen
President & CEO
Erin Banister Chief of Staff
Jen LeBlanc Chief Advancement Officer
Carol McBride Chief People Officer
Madeline Reedy Chief Program Officer
Dianna Smoot Chief Education & Training Officer
Mariama Maiga Chief Financial Officer
A Letter from Our President & CEO
When children and families come to Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, they are often walking through one of the most difficult moments of their lives. What they find here is something powerful: belief, coordination, expertise, and care delivered by people who are deeply committed to helping children heal and move forward.
DCAC exists to ensure that no child has to navigate trauma alone. Our multidisciplinary model brings together professionals across law enforcement, child protection, medical care, prosecution, advocacy, and mental health to respond thoughtfully and effectively when abuse occurs. This coordinated approach reduces trauma, strengthens outcomes, and places the child and their family at the center of everything we do.
What makes this work possible is not a single program or service, but the people behind it. Our forensic interviewers, family advocates, therapists, educators, administrators, and partners show up every day with expertise, compassion and resolve. Our work is complex, emotionally demanding, and critically important. It is also life-changing.
As I step into this role, I do so with deep respect for the foundation that has been built and a clear focus on the future ahead. DCAC is a strong, trusted organization with a national reputation for excellence. The needs of children and families continue to evolve,
and so must we. Looking forward, we will continue to strengthen our services, invest in our people, expand our reach, and lead conversations that improve how communities respond to crimes against children.
This annual report reflects more than numbers or outcomes. It represents thousands of moments of courage, care, and collaboration. It reflects a community that believes children deserve safety, dignity, and hope and is willing to stand behind that belief.
Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your continued commitment to our mission. Together, we will ensure that DCAC remains a place where healing begins, justice is pursued, and hope is restored—today and for generations to come.
With gratitude and resolve,
Lori Allen President & CEO Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center