Partners in Protection Conference
Join us in Georgetown, TX, June 8th & 9th 2026, for the Partners in Protection Conference.
Hosted by Children’s Advocacy Centers across Central Texas, the Partners in Protection Conference is a gathering of professionals dedicated to child safety, healing, and justice. This conference provides valuable training, cross-sector collaboration, and fresh insight for those working in child protection, victim services, investigation, prosecution, medical care, and trauma-informed support.
Conference Details
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June 8th & 9th 2026
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8am - 4pm, Both Days
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The Sheraton in GeorgetownThe Sheraton in Georgetown
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Pricing: $150
Conference attendance is focused on professionals currently working in Child Abuse / Domestic Violence Field & Strategic Partners like Law Enforcement, CPS/DFPS, Medical Personnel, Trauma Therapists, Victim Services, Prosecutors, & Child Advocacy Center Staff.
Schedule
Check back here for updates. The calendar is being updated as schedules are confirmed.
2026 Conference Speakers
Check back here for updates on 2026 speakers. The speaker list is updated as schedules are confirmed.
Lance Cox, Asst. Chief of Police, Austin ISD Police Department
Lance Cox is a seasoned law enforcement professional with 30 years of dedicated service in school-based policing. Currently serving as Assistant Chief of Police for the Austin ISD Police Department, he oversees critical support operations and plays a key role in shaping department strategy and effectiveness. Throughout his career, Cox has built extensive investigative experience, including assignments in Criminal Investigations focusing on child abuse, major thefts, and juvenile gang activity, working collaboratively with local and federal partners. A proven leader, Cox is known for his commitment to mentorship, accountability, and developing officers into well-rounded professionals. He has led diverse teams, managed complex operations, and implemented training programs centered on de-escalation and conflict resolution. Cox holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Texas A&M University–Commerce and is a graduate of the Leadership Command College, reflecting his ongoing commitment to professional growth and excellence in leadership.
Sergeant Gary Marquis
Sergeant Gary Marquis is a Master Peace Officer who has served in the Child Exploitation Unit and as part of the Southern Texas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force within the Office of the Texas Attorney General since May 2012. Over the course of his tenure, he has been recognized by his peers as Child Exploitation Investigator of the Year and received the prestigious "Texas Hero for Children Award" from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) Texas Regional Office in 2017. Sergeant Marquis has investigated hundreds of technology-facilitated child exploitation cases. In addition to his investigative duties, he serves as a Field Training Officer within his agency and works as an adjunct instructor for NCMEC, where he trains law enforcement officers throughout Texas. Gary and his wife, Lynn, reside in Lampasas, Texas. Together, they have four adult children and five grandchildren.
Lindsey Dula
Lindsey began her career in 2000 as a specialized CPS investigator, handling severe cases of sexual and physical abuse, neglect, and child fatalities, and became a CPS supervisor in 2005. In 2007, she became a dedicated forensic interviewer at a CAC. Lindsey has conducted over 7,500 forensic interviews with children and adults during her career, addressing allegations of child sexual and physical abuse, medical child abuse, kidnapping, witnessing violent crime, trafficking, arson, drug-endangered children, sexual assault, domestic violence, and homicide. For more than 13 years, she oversaw multiple CAC programs, including establishing the MDT Coordination Program and supervising Client Relations, Family Advocacy, and Forensic Interviewing Programs. In 2024, she founded NFIN, where she provides training, specialized services, and technical support for CACs/CJCs, crisis centers/FJCs, and MDTs, and develops training for professionals serving victims of child abuse and in the field of violent crime.
Brody Burks, Assistant Attorney General - Office of the Attorney General
For the last 15 years, Brody has worked in public service for the State of Texas -as an assistant district attorney, criminal justice policy advisor to the governor, Chief of Staff to Commissioner Bobby Janecka at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and now as assistant Attorney General prosecuting human trafficking. He also serves as legislative liaison for the division and point of contact for stakeholder groups. He has also served as the Governor’s appointee to the Interstate Compact on Adult Offender Supervision and has been a trainer and mentor through the Texas District and County Attorney’s Association. He's a graduate of Austin College and The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and lives in Austin with his wife, two children, and a rescue pit bull.