Child Advocacy Center of Collin County briefs Anna council; served 73 clients from Anna in FY2024

Lynn McLean, chief executive officer of the Child Advocacy Center of Collin County, told the Anna City Council on March 25 that the center served 4,525 clients in fiscal year 2024 and that 73 of those clients came from Anna.

McLean described the center's mission to provide safety, healing and justice through a multidisciplinary model that co-locates forensic interviews, case management and therapy for child victims of abuse or neglect. She said Collin County is served by two facilities: one in Plano for southern Collin County and a newer facility in McKinney that serves northern Collin County; cases from Anna are served at the McKinney site.

McLean listed FY2024 service metrics reported to the council: 4,525 clients served countywide; 73 of those from Anna; a five-year countywide increase of 58% in cases from northern Collin County and a five-year overall increase of 14%. The center reported more than 71 forensic interviews last year, 770 clients receiving therapy services, and more than 2,700 receiving family advocacy and case management. The center's emergency resource 'Rainbow Room' served 932 clients, a back-to-school fair served 804, and more than 1,300 clients were served through a holiday project. McLean said all services are provided at no charge to clients.

McLean described staff and volunteer capacity: 66 staff statewide for the center, more than 834 volunteers contributing over 6,000 hours, a volunteer puppet troupe that performed for roughly 9,300 children, and 11 staff who presented at state or national conferences. She said the center spent about 84% of funds raised on program services in FY2024 and that its annual operating budget is about $7,300,000. McLean said the organization was rated four stars on Charity Navigator for 13 consecutive years.

Council members and residents asked how the city could help. Council members and a resident discussed options including city-sponsored donation drives, inclusion of the center on the city website during a dedicated campaign month, and staff collection drives of items for the Rainbow Room such as shoes, underwear and baby supplies. McLean and staff said donated items reduce pressure on the center's operating budget and that ongoing fundraising is the organization's greatest need.

McLean noted the center's partnership with local law enforcement: an Anna police officer is housed at the center, and the Collin County child abuse task force brings together officers from municipalities and unincorporated areas. She said the center works closely with Child Protective Services and law enforcement to coordinate forensic interviewing, case reading and appropriate interventions.

Council members suggested the city consider an annual or monthly drive to raise funds and supplies and encouraged outreach through the chamber of commerce and city communications. City staff and council members offered to coordinate and provide contact points for follow-up and to include the center in upcoming May events.

McLean closed by noting upcoming fundraising events, including a gala on March 29 at a PGA Omni venue and a car raffle; she thanked Anna residents and local partners for support.