Rockwall County parents, teachers and neighbors can learn how to recognize signs of child abuse and report it during a free virtual training the Children's Advocacy Center for Rockwall County is hosting Tuesday, Aug. 18.

The one-hour session, titled "Recognizing, Reporting, & Preventing Child Abuse," runs from noon to 1 p.m. on Microsoft Teams. It covers three areas: identifying potential signs of abuse and neglect, how to file an effective report, and steps community members can take to prevent abuse before it happens.

Registration is open through the CAC's event page. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

Why it matters locally

The CACRC served more than 600 children and family members in Rockwall County in 2024, according to its North Texas Giving Day profile. The center cites national data showing 1 in 10 children experiences sexual abuse before turning 18.

Established as a nonprofit in 2016 and fully operational since April 2018, the center is the only agency of its kind in Rockwall County. It coordinates law enforcement, Child Protective Services, prosecutors, medical professionals and mental health providers under one roof at 1350 E. Washington St. so children don't have to repeat their stories to multiple agencies.

All services are free.

Farrah Brabson, the CAC's director of community engagement and training, oversees the center's education programs. President and CEO Patricia Mejia leads the organization, which is accredited by both the National Children's Alliance and Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas.

The Aug. 18 training is separate from the CAC's monthly "CAC 101" virtual sessions, held on the second Tuesday of each month, which introduce residents to volunteer opportunities and the center's broader mission.