Sweet Therapy
Jessica Francis, Willie the mini doodle provide comfort for children through Children’ s Advocacy Center
When Jessica Francis – program director for Hunt County Children’ s Advocacy Center – speaks about her staff, she beams.
Not everyone, she explains, has the temperament to conduct the delicate business of forensic interviews. When crisis comes – and it does almost every day – she states with certainty that when called upon, her team will perform with unsurpassed compassion and professionalism.
That steadfast belief in her staff was just one of dozens of other attributes that led to her recognition recently as the Guardify 2026 Child Advocacy Leader of the Year.
“ She has a gift for bringing people together for the good of the child,” the author of a recent nominating letter stated.
But regardless of the esteem she holds for her staff, Jessica admits she has a favorite among them. Even though this particular team member has some unusual quirks.
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