Investigators, prosecutors, caseworkers, forensic interviewers, victim advocates, therapists, probation officers and other professionals who work with the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) in Fannin County were honored with an awards dinner for their efforts to protect and serve children who have been abused.  Terry Bee, an investigator with the Bonham Police Department, took home the top award.  He was selected by the multi-disciplinary team members as the CAC Outstanding Team Member of the Year.

“This award is long overdue,” said Sandy Barber of the Fannin County Children’s Center as she presented the award to Bee.   Barber pointed out that in 2001, the CAC nominated Bee for an award at the state level for his efforts in investigating crimes against children.     

“Terry is someone who really believes in the team concept of working these cases,” continued Barber.  “He is very open to ideas and information from everyone on the team.” 

Barber told of a case where Bee was at a dead end because he could not positively identify the suspect who had physically abused a young boy.  Later, CASA obtained information about where the suspect might be found and shared that with Bee.  He then got the CPS investigator who could identify the suspect to go with him to follow-up on the lead.  Bee was able to find the man, complete his case and turn it over to the District Attorney’s office.  The DA’s office was able to get a conviction of more than twenty years.

“There are many other cases I could tell you about that will also illustrate how Terry makes the most of the working as a team and goes above and beyond the call of duty to protect the children of our community,” said Barber.

Honorable mention recognition went to Wayne Walker, Fannin County Sheriff’s Office, Joyce McGehee, CASA Program Director and Sandy Hood, CASA Casework Supervisor.   

The Children’s Advocacy Center in Fannin County was formed in 1999 in order to make the criminal justice system more sensitive to the needs of victims of child abuse.  By pulling together all of the public and private agencies who investigate, prosecute and treat child abuse, the Children’s Advocacy Center has helped coordinate efforts in order to strengthen cases and promote healing for the victims.   In the most recent fiscal year, the Children’s Advocacy Center opened 96 new cases and provided support services to 223 children and family members.  

For more information about the Children’s Advocacy Center and other programs of the Fannin County Children’s Center, call (903) 583-4339 or visit www.fanninccc.org.  To report suspicions of child abuse, call toll free, 24 hours a day to 1-800-252-5400.