Alliance for Children expands Fort Worth location to help more child abuse victims
Alliance For Children will be able to support more child abuse victims after a capital campaign to expand its headquarters.
For 30 years the Tarrant County-based organization has worked with law enforcement, social workers and counselors to support child abuse victims and their caregivers.
The organization’s former Fort Worth location was in a smaller building in the city’s medical district. The 38,000 square foot building, at 3609 Marquita Drive, will allow Alliance to help 100% of the children in need for services. The expansion was part of a $15.8 million capital campaign. The organization’s staff officially moved into the building in November and held a ribbon-cutting Wednesday.
One in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. CEO Julie Evans said in a statement that the advocacy center works to provide healing and hope.
“Thousands of children will walk through our doors as part of their child abuse investigation in the coming years,” Evans said. “Our hope is that each of them are better protected, and families are healed from the devastating effects of child abuse and trauma because of our efforts.”
The new building was named in honor of the Morris Foundation, which provided support to the organization. The Morris Foundation is a supporter of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Crossroads Lab.
How does Alliance for Children serve the community?
More than 62,000 children have been served by Alliance since its founding in 1992.
The advocacy center acts as a central place for medical providers, law enforcement, state agencies, counselors and social workers to work together to help a child and their protective guardian through the criminal investigation process. The center also hosts support groups for children and adults.
During a ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, Tarrant County Judge B. Glen Whitley said this is what Tarrant County has always been about — collaboration.
“We work together to serve the greater good of everyone,” Whitley said.
The building features an art therapy room, group therapy rooms and will have an outdoor space to help with the mental health of clients. State Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) said a welcoming space is needed to help the children because they are in a vulnerable state.
“Having a location like this is exactly what we need to try to encourage them to use their voice and speak up,” Collier said.
Texas law requires anyone who suspects child abuse to report it to law enforcement or the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Alliance provides training to families, schools and other community organizations.
In addition to Fort Worth, Alliance has locations in Hurst, Arlington and Lakeside. The organization broke ground in October to expand its services in Arlington. The Hurst location will be expanded in the future.
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This story was originally published March 30, 2022 at 2:49 PM.
