Children's Advocacy Center of Hidalgo and Starr Counties - Edinburg, Texas

Introduction

The Children's Advocacy Center of Hidalgo and Starr Counties (CACHSC) is a beacon of hope and support for children and families in the Edinburg, Texas area. Situated at 525 W Wisconsin Rd, this non-profit organization is dedicated to helping young victims of abuse and neglect navigate the complex legal and social service systems. With a commitment to providing a child-focused, culturally sensitive, and multidisciplinary approach, CACHSC empowers children and families to heal and thrive.

Main Services

• Forensic Interviews: CACHSC conducts forensic interviews with children in a safe, neutral, and child-friendly environment. These interviews are recorded to reduce the number of times a child must relive their traumatic experience.
• Family Advocacy: The center assigns an advocate to each child and family to guide them through the legal process, connect them with community resources, and provide emotional support.
• Mental Health Services: CACHSC offers free, confidential counseling services for children and families, helping them cope with the emotional trauma of abuse.
• Medical Exams: The center coordinates medical examinations for children to assess and document injuries, provide medical treatment, and collect evidence.
• Case Management: CACHSC works with law enforcement, Child Protective Services, and the District Attorney's office to coordinate services and ensure a timely resolution of each case.
• Prevention Education: The center provides educational workshops and training sessions for schools, community organizations, and professionals to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Location and Access

The Children's Advocacy Center is located in the heart of Edinburg, Texas, at 525 W Wisconsin Rd, near the intersection with N Jackson Rd. This central location makes it easily accessible for families in both Hidalgo and Starr counties. The center is a short distance from several major highways, including I-69C and I-2.

For those using public transportation, the center is served by the Edinburg Transit System. The nearest bus stop is just a few blocks away, at the intersection of W University Dr and N Jackson Rd. Additionally, the center offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park to ensure accessibility for all individuals.

Featured Characteristics

• Child-Friendly Environment: CACHSC has designed its facilities to be welcoming and comfortable for children, with play areas, colorful decorations, and a nurturing atmosphere.
• Multidisciplinary Team: The center brings together professionals from law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, and medical fields to collaborate on each case and ensure the best possible outcome for the child.
• Cultural Sensitivity: CACHSC strives to understand and accommodate the unique cultural needs of each family it serves, providing services in both English and Spanish.
• Community Partnerships: The center works closely with local schools, law enforcement agencies, and other community organizations to prevent child abuse, provide resources for families, and support survivors.

Practical Information

• Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The center also offers after-hours and weekend services by appointment.
• Contact Information: Phone: 9562879754, Website: cachsc.org
• Funding: CACHSC is primarily funded through grants and private donations. The center welcomes contributions to support its mission and programs.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

With an average rating of 4.4/5 stars from 50 reviews on Google My Business, the Children's Advocacy Center of Hidalgo and Starr Counties has received overwhelming praise for its compassionate and dedicated staff, as well as the exceptional services it provides. Many reviewers commend the center's ability to create a safe and comfortable environment for children, allowing them to feel at ease and open up about their experiences. Families also express gratitude for the center's advocacy and support throughout the legal process, as well as the invaluable counseling services that help them heal and move forward. The center's commitment to cultural sensitivity and accessibility has also been highlighted as a strength, with reviewers noting the bilingual services and wheelchair-accessible facilities.

👍 Reviews of Children's Advocacy Center of Hidalgo and Starr Counties

Jorge M.

1/5

Request for Transparency and Clarification Regarding Child Interview

I want to be clear that I am committed to cooperating fully in the protection and well-being of my child. However, I have concerns about the recent request from the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo and Starr Counties.

During my visit, I was asked to sign a waiver that would prevent me from later subpoenaing my daughter’s interview. I was also informed that she would be questioned without my presence, but I was not told the nature of the questions or the specific incident being addressed. At no point was the allegation or reason for the interview disclosed to me.

I explained that my daughter has already been interviewed by CPS. I am concerned that multiple interviews may cause unnecessary stress for her and create inconsistencies in the process. I also cannot consent to signing away legal rights that may be necessary to protect her or myself in the future.

To move forward transparently, request clear explanation of the purpose and necessity of an additional interview is for.

Parents have the right to be protected, and no one would ever walk into court without an attorney because even an innocent person can be tripped up by the wrong line of questioning. So why would the government think it’s a good idea to subject a child — who has even less understanding and protection — to that same risk?

Please note that you can refuse cooperation, if clarity and accountability are not present. We will hold on to the paperwork just in case.

Respectfully,
Jorge Guadalupe Martinez Jr.

Lluvia A.

5/5

Great staff... they do awesome work for the community 👏

Ana A.

1/5

Had an incident with my child and his father, they had us meet at this place and with a detective Olivia Lopez. At the end of the day, they didn't do anything for my child except pressure me into being up and down between them and CPS and McAllen PD. Then they kept calling and calling to offer my child counseling, (which I'm sure they just wanted funding ) after all they did was in fact open a case Against Us, and never did they do anything to check the living situation at his father's place. Where the abuse happened.

Ernest O.

1/5

posted day ago my experience with this agency.

i will re-post a more comprehensive detail very soon.
Although i don't have the time today to speak about the nightmare experience my family and I had with this agency. I will very soon tell the entire events we encountered with agency.

i advise anyone who deals with this county agency to be aware.

I received today a letter from commissioner H.l. Whitman stating that I'am not found not guilty of rescuing my daughter from this agency!

Really? more to come I assure you..........the Truth!

Do not trust these so called trained individuals to be with your child with out representation........
They "unlawfully detained" my daughter and my entire family on this day only to see her admitted into a for profit agency!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
as was determined by CPS!
You all need to be ashamed for what you the "supervisor of said agency" and others did to traumatize my family on this day!!!!!!!!

What you did to my family on that day should never happen to any family.

more to come in terms of details. of this horrific day you put my family through.

we came to for help!!!!!!!!!

for our kid.
And we were betrayed in the sickest sense possible.

good job counselors! turn your selves in and speak the truth.

rosa A.

5/5

So super helpful

Alexia V.

5/5

Excellent place here,was here 12 years ago,and here again,never thought I would come back😞

Joe L.

5/5

Awesome organization. Outstanding work from all CAC personnel.

Adolfo S.

4/5

The employees are dedicated to helping children & really do care !!