Senator Florence Shapiro Honored as Legislative Champion by Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas

(AUSTIN, Texas) — The Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas, Inc. (CACTX) today honored Senator Florence Shapiro (District 8-Plano) at their annual Legislative Excellence Awards Luncheon.

"Senator Shapiro has fought tirelessly throughout her legislative career to make Texas a safer place for children and to eradicate child sexual abuse through effective public policy" said Cathy Crabtree, Executive Director of The Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas, Inc. "She is a true champion for Children's Advocacy Centers. Texas has more advocacy centers than any other state in the nation, and we have Senator Shapiro to thank for building us a strong foundation from which to grow."

In 1995, Senator Shapiro authored a series of bills entitled "Ashley's Laws," which overhauled and strengthened the current system of investigating, prosecuting and punishing violent sex offenders. Among the bills within this package was the creation of statutory standards and financial support for Children's Advocacy Centers. Most recently Senator Shapiro authored legislation creating a new offense of "Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child" which carries a 25-year to life mandatory minimum, as well as legislation ending the option of jury recommended probations for sex offenders who perpetrate children.

"It has been an honor to work hand- in-hand with the Children's Advocacy Centers for more than a decade," Shapiro said. "Our alliance came together over Ashley's Laws 13 years ago, and has continued to work toward dramatic changes to our state's child predator laws. These advances never could have happened without the commitment and dedication of these child advocates. This group has my profound respect for the unselfish work they do day in and day out, and for the tremendous difference they make in the lives of children. I am proud to have been a conduit to help bring their mission into reality, for stronger, safer laws for our children."

Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas, Inc. is the statewide association for the 63 local advocacy centers across the state. Each local center works in conjunction with the local prosecuting attorney, law enforcement, child protective services and mental and medical health professionals to provide a multidisciplinary approach to the investigation of the most challenging child abuse cases. Last year, more than 40,000 children received vital services at a children's advocacy center. To find your local Children's Advocacy Center, or to learn more about how to help victims of abuse in your community, please visit the Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas website at www.cactx.org.