Crimes Against Children Awards

Selection criteria

Lt. bill walsh outstanding service award

This award honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional service through their work on the front lines. The recipient consistently shows a deep commitment to the highest standards of communication, professionalism, effectiveness, problem-solving, and service. It recognizes exceptional valor, public service, professional achievement, or ongoing outstanding efforts to improve the lives of abused children and their families.

leigh Ann Lozano champion award

This award recognizes an individual whose extraordinary leadership has significantly improved the lives of child victims and their families at the regional, state, national, or even international level through their life’s work. The recipient has demonstrated impactful action and innovation beyond their immediate community, whether through the creation of legislation, development of resources, advancement of research, enhancement of professional standards, or implementation of effective programs.

Nominations

  • Nominees are active in their profession and available to receive this award at the Crimes Against Children Conference on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

  • The deadline for submission is April 18, 2026

    • Complete an online nomination form on the CACC website. 

    • Submit a Letter of Recommendation (1,000 words or less)  

    • Submit a Letter of Support (500 words or less).  

      • One (1) required.  

      • A maximum of three (3) will be accepted.  

  • The Awards Committee will consist of members of the multi-disciplinary team that represent various disciplines.

  • The award will be presented during the Crimes Against Children Conference opening plenary on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

    • Round-trip coach airfare or vehicle mileage, in accordance with its employee mileage reimbursement rates 

    • Complimentary VIP registration for the conference (including select meals) 

    • Lodging during the conference 

    • The CACC will not provide for any incidental expenses, or any expenses incurred by guests accompanying the award recipient 

APPLICATION WILL OPEN IN MARCH

bill & Leigh ann’s legacy

Established in memory of DCAC Co-Founder Lt. Bill Walsh (Ret.) (1952–2025) and Leigh Ann Lozano, these awards honor professionals who embody exceptional dedication to child abuse prevention, investigation, prosecution, and healing. Nominations that represent a diversity of disciplines, backgrounds, communities, and perspectives are encouraged.

ABOUT BILL

During his 26-year tenure with the Dallas Police Department, Lt. Walsh commanded the Crimes Against Children Unit. In 1989, he launched the annual Crimes Against Children Conference—now the largest event of its kind—and co-founded the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, one of the nation’s largest CAC programs.

After retiring from the force, Lt. Walsh served as a consultant for the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Training and Technical Assistance Program. Among his many accolades, he was named both Dallas Police Officer of the Year (1990) and Dallas Police Supervisor of the Year (1998)—the only officer in the department’s history to hold both distinctions. He also received the State of Texas Special Achievement Award for Public Service, the 1999 Crime Victims Service Award from the Office for Victims of Crime, and the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (2011).

During the years since its beginnings, the Crimes Against Children Conference has established a reputation among professionals for high-quality training and great networking opportunities.

The Crimes Against Children Conference is not affiliated with other conferences using the same or similar naming conventions.

ABOUT LEIGH ANN

Leigh Ann Lozano began her career with the Dallas Police Department in 1981. In 1987, she joined the newly formed Child Exploitation Unit of the Department - a move that would define the rest of her career and her lifelong dedication to protecting children.

Among the unit's founding obligations was a grant requirement to provide specialized training. From that simple obligation, the Crimes Against Children Conference was born. What began as a small, local initiative has since grown into an Internationally recognized event, and Leigh Ann has been a part of its evolution from the very beginning.

Shortly after joining the unit, Leigh Ann turned her attention to another pioneering effort: the establishment of a Child Advocacy Center in Dallas. Working closely with Lt. Bill Walsh, she played an instrumental role in transforming his vision into reality and helping to build what would become a cornerstone of child protection services in the region.

Leigh Ann also served with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit of the Dallas Police Department, one of the first ten ICAC task forces established in the nation. She was there from its inception and remained dedicated to its mission until her retirement from the Dallas Police Department.

Following her retirement from the Department, Leigh Ann continued her work with the Crimes Against Children Conference as an employee of the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center, serving until her retirement in 2026.

By naming these awards in Bill and Leigh Ann’s honor, DCAC celebrates their extraordinary legacy of service, innovation, and unwavering pursuit of justice for children - an inspiration to guide future generations.

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