Voices for Change: Fort Bend Rallies Around New County-Wide Child Abuse Prevention Collaborative
After more than three decades dedicated to healing the wounds of abuse, Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) is stepping boldly into a new chapter—one that aims to prevent harm before it happens. Backed by a coalition of local partners, the nonprofit is launching the Child Abuse Prevention Collaborative (CAP-C), a county-wide effort focused on reducing child abuse through proactive education, outreach, and early intervention.
For CAFB, which has served more than 25,000 abused and neglected children since opening its doors in 1991, the pivot toward prevention is both strategic and urgent.
“Child abuse is a public health epidemic impacting children across our county every year,” said Ruthanne Mefford, CEO of Child Advocates of Fort Bend. “For over three decades, Child Advocates of Fort Bend has been focused on helping children who have already experienced abuse. It’s time now to prevent abuse from happening in the first place.”
The initiative comes at a critical time. Despite growing awareness, myths about abuse still cloud the public’s understanding. Many residents mistakenly believe abuse "doesn't happen here," yet the numbers tell a sobering story: In just the past year, CAFB served 3,500 children and families—all from Fort Bend County. Research also shows that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be victims of sexual abuse by age 18, and over 90% of abuse is committed by someone the child knows. Even more alarming, only 1 in 10 children who are being sexually abused disclose their experience.
Yet there's hope: According to CAFB, more than 70% of child abuse is preventable.
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To galvanize support and raise vital funds, Child Advocates of Fort Bend will host its annual Voices for Children Child Abuse Prevention Luncheon on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Houston Marriott Sugar Land. The high-impact event, supported by lead sponsors the Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation and OCuSoft, Inc., is expected to draw over 400 attendees.
This year’s luncheon features keynote speaker Dr. Greg Williams, a nationally recognized child abuse survivor and advocate, whose powerful story is expected to inspire attendees to stand up and speak out for vulnerable children.
“The voices of children often go unheard. This event is a chance to amplify those voices—and fund the tools and care they desperately need,” said Mefford.
The luncheon aims to raise $600,000 to sustain critical services for the more than 500 children currently receiving forensic interviews, therapy, and advocacy through CAFB’s wide-ranging programs. It will also support expanded outreach—bringing life-saving prevention education to 500 additional children and parents in the coming year.
Child Advocates of Fort Bend operates one of the most comprehensive child advocacy models in the country. Through its nationally recognized Court Appointed Special Advocates Program (CASA) and Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), the agency provides holistic care that addresses the physical, emotional, and legal needs of children. More than 200 trained community volunteer advocates work each month to ensure that over 400 children in the system are supported, represented, and on a path toward healing.
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With a mission to end child abuse by strengthening the voice of the child, healing the hurt, and breaking the cycle of abuse and neglect, the nonprofit serves Fort Bend and surrounding counties through prevention, intervention, and community education. Its Prevention, Outreach and Advocacy programs are designed to engage children, parents, educators, and professionals in building safe environments and empowering children to speak up.
As part of the luncheon program, guests will hear moving stories of impact, learn about emerging prevention strategies, and be invited to become part of the solution. Sponsorships are available at levels ranging from $2,000 to $25,000, with all sponsors publicly acknowledged in county-wide banners, social media, and event materials.
“It will take all of us working together to address this issue,” Mefford emphasized. “But we know that much of abuse is preventable and it’s time for us to put our children’s safety at the top of Fort Bend County’s priorities for the health and wellbeing of our children, the stability of our families and the strength of our community.”
To get involved in child abuse prevention efforts in Fort Bend County, request a speaker, become a volunteer, or sponsor the Voices for Children Luncheon, visit cafb.org, contact Lisa Moore at LMoore@cafb.org, or call 281-344-5123.
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.
