Kid's Advocacy Place (KAP)
A safe space for children to be heard, believed, and protected. Support for families navigating the hardest moments — together.
The Role of Kids’ Advocacy Place
When abuse is suspected or a child comes forward, it’s overwhelming—for them and for you. Kids’ Advocacy Place (KAP) is a Child Advocacy Center serving Kerr, Kendall, Kimble, Bandera, and Gillespie Counties.
We work with children referred by law enforcement or the Department of Family & Protective Services (DFPS) to provide a calm, child-friendly space for forensic interviews, counseling services, and trauma-informed support. Our team works closely with investigators, medical professionals, and mental health providers to alleviate the number of times a child has to share their story—and to ensure families aren’t left to navigate the next steps alone.
Please Note: KAP services are available only by formal referral from law enforcement or child protective services.ental
What We Help With at Kids’ Advocacy Place
When a child’s safety is in question, families are often pulled into a process they never imagined navigating. It can feel overwhelming, confusing, and isolating. Kids’ Advocacy Place exists to step into that moment with care and clarity, offering both children and their caregivers a place to feel supported, informed, and heard.
KAP supports children and families who are:
- Involved in a child abuse investigation
- Navigating a formal referral from CPS or law enforcement
- Preparing for or attending a forensic interview
- Needing trauma-informed support after an outcry
- Seeking emotional support and guidance as a non-offending caregiver
No family chooses to walk this path. But you don’t have to walk it alone. Our role is to make sure every child is heard in a safe, child-friendly environment and every caregiver has access to the advocacy, resources, and guidance they need.
Recognizing Abuse
Abuse is not always obvious, and it can be confusing for victims. Understanding the patterns and warning signs can help us recognize when someone may be in danger and in need of support.
Child Abuse Warning Signs
Unexplained Injuries – Bruises, burns, or marks that don’t match normal play.
Behavior Changes – Sudden sadness, withdrawal, aggression, or mood shifts.
Regression – Returning to behaviors from a younger age, like thumb-sucking or clinging to a comfort object.
Fear of Going Home – Anxiety or reluctance to return to their home environment.
Eating Changes – Loss of appetite or overeating.
Sleep Issues – Trouble sleeping or sleeping excessively.
School Problems – Declining grades, skipping school, or lack of focus.
Neglect of Personal Care – Poor hygiene or grooming beyond typical child resistance.
Risk-Taking – Dangerous behaviors or substance use.
Inappropriate Sexual Behavior – Sexual actions beyond normal developmental curiosity.
*Information from National Children’s Alliance
What to Expect at KAP
Advocacy
Services
When you arrive, you’ll meet with a Family Specialist who provides emotional support, explains the process, and ensures you understand your rights and services. They’ll also:
Help manage the stress and emotions that come with investigations
Connect you with resources such as housing, food, legal aid, and domestic violence services
Guide you through protective orders, court preparation, and testimony if needed
Forensic Interviewing
The forensic interview is designed to let your child share their story in a safe, supportive setting with a trained professional. Caregivers are not present during the interview, and the session is recorded so your child does not have to retell their experience multiple times. During this process:
A child-friendly, developmentally appropriate approach helps reduce trauma
Members of the multidisciplinary team (law enforcement, DFPS, prosecution) may observe from another room
Coordination ensures investigators get the information they need while keeping the focus on your child’s well-being
Counseling
Services
After the interview, the Family Specialist will talk with you about counseling options. Therapy may be available on-site or through trusted partners, and is always trauma-informed and tailored to your family’s needs. Counseling can include:
Evidence-based approaches such as TF-CBT, CF-TSI, or EMDR
Specialized services when needed, such as support for problematic sexual behaviors (PSB)
Counseling for children, siblings, and non-offending caregivers
Education for caregivers to understand trauma responses and promote healing
Medical Appointments
Not every child needs a medical exam, but if one is recommended, it will be explained in advance. Exams are gentle, non-invasive, and carried out by pediatricians or Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) trained in child abuse care. They focus on reassurance and safety, and may also include:
Medical documentation and evidence collection (when appropriate)
Health education for children and caregivers
Recommendations for follow-up care
Who We Work With
Kids’ Advocacy Place serves families across the Hill Country who have children (ages 0–17) referred by DFPS or law enforcement. We walk alongside families who are:
- Involved in a child abuse investigation
- Needing help navigating the interview or legal process
- Seeking emotional support during a stressful and uncertain time
- Looking for counseling and trauma-informed care for their child
At every step, our approach is child-centered, trauma-informed, and family-focused. Our goal is to reduce trauma, provide clear answers, and surround families with the support they need to begin healing.
Do you have questions or need to talk through a potential referral? We’re here to help. Our team is ready to provide information, answer concerns, and connect you with the right next steps.
