Episode 9: Partnering To Protect

How do healthcare, advocacy, and public policy intersect to protect vulnerable children?In Episode 11 of Protect. Heal. Prevent., host Kerry McCracken is joined by Texas State Senator Molly Cook. Drawing from her background as an emergency room nurse and public health policy professional, Senator Cook discusses her current journey training as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and why placing dignity, consent, and compassionate care first is vital for survivors.Connect with The CAC:• Visit our website: cachouston.org• Get involved or donate: cachouston.org/donate• Need help or resources? Call us at (713) 986-3300Protect. Heal. Prevent. is produced by The Children's Assessment Center, an accredited nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to protecting children, healing families, and preventing child sexual abuse and trafficking. Guest opinions are their own.

Kerry McCracken, Executive Director of The CAC, is joined by Jacquelyn Aluotto, Co-Founder and President of No Trafficking Zone. Jacquelyn shares her story and what led her to this work, and together they discuss the partnership between No Trafficking Zone and The CAC to protect children and prevent exploitation.

In Episode 9 of Protect. Heal. Prevent., host Kerry McCracken, Executive Director of The Children's Assessment Center, is joined by Luis Menendez-Sierra, Assistant Chief of the Houston Police Department.Their conversation centers on Menendez-Sierra's professional history, how The CAC's partnership with HPD serves the children and families of our community, and more.

In Episode 8 of Protect. Heal. Prevent., host Kerry McCracken, Executive Director of The Children's Assessment Center, is joined by Stephen Ives, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston.Their conversation centers on how community organizations come together to protect and support Houston's children and families.

DISCLAIMER: The Children's Assessment Center does not endorse any political candidate and is a neutral party. In episode 7 of Protect. Heal. Prevent., host Kerry McCracken, Executive Director of The Children's Assessment Center, is joined by Texas State Representative Ann Johnson.The conversation explores Representative Johnson's role in how child victims of sex trafficking are viewed by the legal system in Texas and the importance of remembering the victim at the center of the crime.

DISCLAIMER: The Children's Assessment Center does not endorse any political candidate and is a neutral party.In episode 6 of Protect. Heal. Prevent., host Kerry McCracken, Executive Director of The Children's Assessment Center, is joined by Houston City Council Member Willie Davis. The conversation explores faith-centered leadership, community service, and the role that strong partnerships play in supporting children and families throughout Houston.

DISCLAIMER: The Children's Assessment Center does not endorse any political candidate and is a neutral party.In Episode 5 of Protect. Heal. Prevent., host Kerry McCracken, Executive Director of The Children's Assessment Center, is joined by Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare. Their conversation centers around victim center justice and the ongoing evolution of child sexual abuse prosecution.

DISCLAIMER: The Children's Assessment Center does not endorse any political candidate and is a neutral party.In Episode 4 of Protect. Heal. Prevent., host Kerry McCracken, Executive Director of The Children’s Assessment Center, is joined by Harris County Commissioner for Precinct 3, Tom Ramsey.Their conversation centers on the child advocacy work being done in the Houston community. Commissioner Ramsey shares insight into his history with The Children's Assessment Center and his work in Precinct 3 to make the precinct a safer place for children.This episode explores how The CAC continues to partner with Harris County officials in this vital mission.

In Episode 3 of Protect. Heal. Prevent., host Kerry McCracken, Executive Director of The Children’s Assessment Center, is joined by Anita Jaffer, Clinical Director of Therapy & Psychological Services.Their conversation centers on the healing process for children and families impacted by abuse. Anita shares insight into trauma-informed, evidence-based therapeutic services, the importance of creating safe and supportive spaces for children, and how mental health care plays a critical role in long-term healing. The episode also explores how therapy services are integrated into the multidisciplinary response to ensure children and families receive comprehensive, compassionate support.This episode highlights the vital role of mental health services in helping children heal and move forward.

In Episode 2 of Protect. Heal. Prevent., host Kerry McCracken, Executive Director of The Children’s Assessment Center, is joined by Karen Kennard, Assistant Executive Director and longtime former Director of Training and Prevention.Their conversation focuses on the critical role education and prevention play in child advocacy. Karen shares insights from years of leading training and prevention efforts, discussing how awareness, community education, and evidence-informed strategies help reduce risk and empower adults to better protect children. The episode also explores how prevention work strengthens systems of care and supports the CAC’s mission to stop abuse before it occurs.This discussion highlights why prevention is an essential part of creating safer communities for children and families.