Alliance for Children outlines local multidisciplinary response, services for child abuse victims

Emma, a team relations supervisor with Alliance for Children, told the Kennedale City Council on April 21 that the agency’s mission is to protect children in Tarrant County through coordinated investigations, clinical services and community education. "When we talk about a team investigation we're talking about our multidisciplinary team," she said, listing partners including DFPS/CPS, the district attorney, medical personnel and law enforcement.

The nonprofit presented how it conducts forensic interviews — performed by trained interviewers in safe rooms while investigators observe — to limit repeated statements by children and reduce trauma. Emma said Alliance focuses on severe physical abuse, child fatalities, sexual abuse and cases involving witness to violent crime. "We do have three different centers — Fort Worth, Hurst and Arlington — so families have access to our services," she said, adding that families from Kennedale typically use the Arlington center.

The presenter described Alliance’s healing services, including family advocacy and a makeover program that can remodel a child’s bedroom to help them feel safe again. She told council that last year DFPS confirmed nearly 4,600 cases of child abuse in the county and Alliance provided services to about 2,300 of those children.

Council members did not take action on the presentation; the session served to inform council about local resources and cross‑agency protocols for investigations, clinical follow‑up and community education on internet safety for children.

The council received no requests for public comment on this item and moved on to other agenda business.