Child Advocates of Fort Bend Shares Critical Awareness Ahead of National Child Abuse Prevention Month
As April approaches, Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB)—a nonprofit organization founded in 1991 to serve children who have experienced abuse and neglect—is calling on the community to unite in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse and promoting action to protect children. With more than 6,300 reports of child abuse in Fort Bend County in 2024 alone, the organization emphasizes the urgent need for public education, support services, and early intervention.
“Child abuse is a national health epidemic, costing society over $140 billion annually,” said Anne Bulan, who shared key insights from the CAFB team. “In Texas, one in six children will be sexually abused by the age of 18, and more than 90% of those children will know their abuser.”
According to CAFB, common misconceptions continue to hinder early intervention. “One of the most dangerous myths is thinking, ‘It doesn’t happen here,’” said Bulan. “Child abuse happens in every community, across all demographics. Awareness is the first step toward prevention.” This reality is reflected in recent Fort Bend County data: of the 6,365 reports of child abuse reported in 2024 alone, 70% involved sexual abuse. Currently, 141 children from the county are in foster care, with 67% of those cases involving neglect and 18% involving physical abuse.
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Warning signs can range from visible physical injuries to subtle behavioral changes. While broken bones, bruises, and poor hygiene may be easier to recognize, signs of sexual abuse or sex trafficking are often less obvious. Children may exhibit fear of certain adults, sudden changes in behavior, inappropriate sexual knowledge, or unexplained absences. Tattoos, gifts, or references to an older ‘boyfriend’ may also signal trafficking.
CAFB urges adults—especially teachers, coaches, and caregivers—to get trained in recognizing the signs of abuse and how to respond. “Every child needs a safe adult. Our trainings equip community members to be that person by knowing the signs, how to report abuse, and how to implement safety measures,” said Bulan. “Simple actions, like never leaving an adult alone with a child, can make a real difference.”
As part of its proactive approach, CAFB launched the CAP-C Child Abuse Prevention Collaborative, a county-wide effort uniting 40 agencies to focus on prevention where representatives from each agency gather monthly to discuss prevention and work together in the fight against child abuse locally. A new CAP-C website and Child Safety Campaign are also in development, offering resources for children and adults. “We’re going into schools, daycares, clinics, faith communities, and youth programs to bring this education directly to the people who need it most,” Bulan added.
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Recognizing the broader challenges families face, CAFB also points to the connection between economic stress, social isolation, and abuse. Families under financial strain or without social support are more vulnerable, which can increase the likelihood of abusive behavior or neglect. Job loss, housing insecurity, and limited access to affordable childcare can all contribute to emotional distress, making it harder for caregivers to meet their children’s needs. Social isolation further compounds the issue, removing key support systems and reducing the chances of early intervention.
To address these risks, CAFB shares access to a wide network of community services and mental health resources that help families build resilience and find support before a crisis escalates through parenting helplines, support groups, counseling, parenting classes, and local programs such as the Fort Bend TBRI Collaborative, Texana Center, Fort Bend Women's Center, and the Parent Project through Juvenile Probation (view more resources here). “We want families to know they’re not alone,” said Bulan. “Support is available, and seeking help early can prevent crisis situations before they escalate.”
In addition to advocacy, CAFB is inviting the public to join its Annual Light of Hope Ceremony on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Sugar Land Town Square. The event, hosted in partnership with the City of Sugar Land, includes live music, games, giveaways, and a powerful visual display as the Square lights up in blue to symbolize the commitment to ending child abuse.
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Those interested in getting involved with CAFB can volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), help in the Children’s Advocacy Center, or support events like the Inside Out Gala on April 26. For more information, contact Tarina Sheridan at 281-344-5109 or tsheridan@cafb.org.
To learn more about child abuse prevention, attend a training, or request a speaker, visit cafb.org. CAFB has served over 25,000 children through its Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program, Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), and community education initiatives. If you suspect abuse, contact the Texas Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-2400 or call 911 in an emergency.
“Child abuse is preventable,” Bulan emphasized. “Together, through awareness, education, and action, we can create a safer, healthier future for every child in Fort Bend County.”
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
