America’s First Military Base Child Advocacy Center Debuts at Fort Cavazos—Here’s How It’s Changing Lives

Inside the Historic Launch: How Fort Cavazos Pioneers Child Protection on Military Bases Nationwide

The groundbreaking Children’s Advocacy Center on Fort Cavazos sets a new national standard in supporting military families. Learn why this matters in 2025.

Move over, old playbooks. Fort Cavazos, Texas has boldly rewritten the script for protecting America’s military families. On June 5, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas (CACCT) launched an unprecedented satellite office—marking the debut of the nation’s first-ever child advocacy center located directly on a military installation.

This powerful partnership, forged with the Office of Special Trial Counsel and supported by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, is more than just a ribbon-cutting. It’s ushering in major change at “The Great Place,” and military families are already feeling the impact.

With troop readiness in mind, the CACCT brings together law enforcement, child protection, medical, mental health, and legal professionals. Together, they’re providing vital services—think trauma recovery, forensic interviews, and comprehensive family advocacy—right where military children and parents need them most.

U.S. Army | Child Welfare Information Gateway | National Child Traumatic Stress Network

What Makes This Center Different from the Rest?

Unlike its off-base counterparts, the Fort Cavazos satellite center pioneers on-site support. Families no longer have to travel long distances or navigate unfamiliar civilian systems. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about opening doors for military families, ensuring fast, effective, and trauma-informed care under one roof.

The center’s approach? Specialized, research-backed forensic interviews let children safely share their stories. Casework is strengthened, and healing for both kids and parents is front and center—because when caregivers mend, children thrive.

Why Now? The Growing Need for On-Base Child Advocacy

Military families often face unique stressors: frequent relocations, long deployments, and the emotional toll of service. In recent years, rising awareness about mental health and child safety has made comprehensive support more urgent than ever. The CACCT’s new presence on Fort Cavazos comes as experts urge U.S. military leaders to invest more in family well-being—considered vital for both readiness and morale.

How Can Families or Community Members Get Help?

Support is just steps away. Here’s how to connect:

• Military families stationed at Fort Cavazos can now access advocacy, forensic interviews, and therapy without leaving base.
• Staffed with multilingual professionals and trauma-informed specialists, the center removes barriers to care.
• Advocacy, counseling, and recovery resources are also available to parents and siblings—ensuring holistic healing.

Looking to learn more about military child protection? Visit Child Welfare Information Gateway and National Child Traumatic Stress Network for expert resources.

Q: What’s Next for the Fort Cavazos Model?

A: This landmark move serves as a blueprint for military installations across the country. Leaders from Fort Cavazos envision a future where every base standardizes on-site support for children and families—proving once more why America’s military communities set the bar.

Ready to Support Military Children? Here’s Your Action Checklist for 2025:

• Raise awareness about the new center among military families and neighbors
• Encourage local leaders to replicate the Fort Cavazos model
• Connect families in need directly to on-base resources
• Champion trauma-informed care at school, work, and community events