Children’s Advocacy Center of the Coastal Bend loses Nueces County designation; board seeks talks with DA

Dr. Christina Nelson, board president of the Children’s Advocacy Center of the Coastal Bend (CACCB), informed the City Council during public comment that the center had been removed from its service area in Nueces County effective April 22. The board notified the council that the statewide oversight body had taken the step after becoming aware of concerns regarding a case handled by the center.

Nelson said CACCB leadership conducted an internal investigation, implemented corrective actions and communicated with concerned parties. The center’s executive director, Clarissa Mora, said in a prepared statement that CACCB’s priority remains the safety and protection of abused children and their families and that the center is coordinating with other centers and the district attorney’s office to ensure continuity of services.

Nelson said in 2024 the CACCB served more than 1,000 children across 10 counties, including roughly 525 children from Nueces County, most of them in Corpus Christi. She said children who were receiving services would continue to be able to do so, and that CACCB is talking with the Nueces County district attorney’s office to resolve the situation and resume handling files once the DA’s office confirms corrective measures are in place.

Nelson asked the council to note the development and said the matter is under review; the CACCB said it would issue further statements when the review is complete. No formal council action or vote took place during the meeting on this item.