Inside Fort Cavazos’ Game-Changing Children’s Advocacy Center: First On Any U.S. Military Installation, Transforming Support for Military Families
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas opens a first-of-its-kind satellite office at Fort Cavazos, revolutionizing support for military families.
Quick Facts
- First CAC on a U.S. military base: Opened June 5, 2025, at Fort Cavazos
- 10,000+ children/families served: Since 1997
- Multidisciplinary teams: Combine law enforcement, legal, child protection, and mental health experts
A historic ribbon-cutting at Fort Cavazos has permanently altered the landscape of child and family services for military members across the country. The Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas (CACCT) unveiled its brand-new, first-ever satellite office on a U.S. military installation — a landmark moment for vulnerable children whose parents serve.
Until now, military children facing crisis had limited access to on-base resources, often traveling miles off-post to get expert care. That story has changed. The result of an innovative partnership between CACCT, the U.S. Army Office of Special Trial Counsel, and the Army Criminal Investigation Division, this new hub is already being hailed as a game-changer for military families.
Why Is This Center So Important for Military Families?
Military families face unique pressures — relocations, deployments, and the stress of service. Experts at Children’s Advocacy Centers nationwide recognize how vital on-site support is for the health of both children and parents.
By offering a child-friendly, trauma-informed environment, the new Fort Cavazos center ensures kids feel safe when seeking help. Here, experienced forensic interviewers use evidence-based techniques to hear children’s stories with compassion and accuracy. At the same time, family advocates deliver crucial resources like counseling and recovery support, all under one roof. This full-spectrum response promises faster, more effective healing.
Q: What’s Behind the ‘First-of-Its-Kind’ Label?
Military installations have long lacked in-house Children’s Advocacy Centers. This new CACCT satellite office breaks the mold, embedded directly within the Fort Cavazos community. It’s the product of more than a year of collaboration and deep trust, ensuring experts from every discipline work together — a model likely to spread to other bases in coming years.
Officials from CACCT stress that the center’s existence is about more than just proximity: it’s about integration. By weaving together law enforcement, legal, mental health, and family advocacy, the center guarantees nothing slips through the cracks. In a first for the military, families can walk in the door and get comprehensive support without the logistical hurdles of off-post care.
How Does the Fort Cavazos CACCT Satellite Office Work?
- Forensic Interviews: Certified professionals conduct interviews, creating safe spaces for kids to share what happened in their own words.
- Family Advocacy: Specialists provide guidance, counseling, and connections to vital resources for healing.
- Mental Health Services: Available for both children and adults, to ensure the whole family recovers together.
- Legal and Investigative Support: On-site collaboration ensures better outcomes for victims and greater accountability.
Leaders emphasize this holistic approach strengthens troop readiness and family resilience. When children and families feel secure and supported, service members can focus on their mission — protecting the nation.
Q: What’s Next for Children’s Advocacy Centers on Military Bases?
CACCT’s milestone at Fort Cavazos sets a precedent for other Department of Defense installations. With more than 10,000 children and families helped since its founding in Bell County, CACCT’s expansion signals a powerful shift toward prioritizing the needs of military dependents, making “The Great Place” even greater.
The hope: Other bases across the country will follow this trailblazing example, bringing healing, safety, and expert care to America’s military kids everywhere.
How to Connect or Get Help
If you’re a military family in Central Texas seeking support, reach out directly to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas or your base’s Family Advocacy Program. Help is now closer than ever, and no one walks this road alone.
Take action to protect, heal, and support our nation’s military children. Advocate for expanded services and share this breakthrough with your community.
Checklist: Empower Military Families at Fort Cavazos and Beyond
- Learn more about the Children’s Advocacy Center at Fort Cavazos
- Share information with military families who may need support
- Advocate for similar partnerships at other bases
- Collaborate with local professionals for trauma-informed care
- Monitor new resources via U.S. Army, Child Welfare Information Gateway
The future of military child safety starts here — and it’s time for every base to answer the call.
