Crimes Against Children Awards

Selection criteria

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.

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 EARLY MARCH

bill walsh’s legacy

Established in memory of DCAC Co-Founder Lt. Bill Walsh (Ret.) (1952–2025), these awards honor professionals who embody exceptional dedication to child abuse prevention, investigation, prosecution, and healing.

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).

By naming these awards in his honor, DCAC celebrates Lt. Walsh’s extraordinary legacy of service, innovation, and unwavering pursuit of justice for children—an inspiration to guide future generations.

Nominations that represent a diversity of disciplines, backgrounds, communities, and perspectives are encouraged.

Our outstanding conference faculty, numbering well over 200 each year, provides an unmatched variety of workshops and case studies that address the most important issues faced by our attendees in their work.

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

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