In 1992, Legislative Bill 1184 passed requiring every county in the state to have an investigation and treatment team to review cases of child abuse and neglect.

In this Against the Violence report, 10/11 will show you how an investigative team works together to fight the growing number of child abuse cases in our community.

Martin came home from the bar intoxicated. That's how another meeting for state, county and law enforcement officials begins. It's another case of abuse involving a child.

Grandma called to tell say that mom was using again.

Kylie was removed in the past. Mom was using methamphetamines.

As the group delves into the case, they not only discover chronic domestic problems, but how a child -- caught in the middle -- has been sexually abused. Members of this Lancaster County investigative team say they discuss cases like this one every week

"You would be a cold person if you came into these meetings and weren't touched or affected in some way by some of the deep things that are going on with families, even in our community," said Krista Roebke, HHS protection safety supervisor.

"These are the most difficult, most heinous crimes committed in our society against the most vulnerable," said Mark Unvert, Lincoln Police Department.

Mark Unvert of the Lincoln Police Department's Family Crimes Unit is a member of the investigative team. He said the group plays a key role in bringing abusers of children to justice.

Officials say the team improves communication and coordination among groups like Health and Human Services and law enforcement agencies. It also creates a sense of accountability, all in an effort to help children in trouble.

Not only does the investigative team have the ability to act on clear cases of abuse, but they also have the ability to identify potential problems and intervene.

"I always think one of the more important things is this group anticipates. This group can get ahead of a problem that isn't criminal today, and for the best interest of that child do something that's going to prevent a bigger problem in the future," said Joe Kelly, Lancaster County Attorney's Office.

For victims of abuse, just knowing that this investigative team exists is encouraging.

One teen victim of sex abuse, who is being referred to as Riley, talked at the Child Advocacy Center. She said telling her story to the authorities wasn't easy.

"I wasn't planning to tell anyone, but I couldn't hold it in anymore. So I decided to tell, and I talked about it," she said.

Now members of the Lancaster County investigative team are talking about cases like hers to make sure no one falls through the cracks.

"It's a tough, uphill battle I think we are fighting, and we are going to keep fighting. We have a lot of workers, at least in our department, and this team works really hard to make sure kids are safe in our community," Roebke said.

The work being done at the Child Advocacy Center is hard, but necessary, and the center can always use your help. You can call them at 476-3200 or you can click here for information on how you can help financially and as a volunteer.

As a non-profit organization, the Child Advocacy Center has many needs the community can help with. Drop of any of the following items at 3200 Sumner Street in Lincoln, Neb.:
-Copy Paper
-Stamps
-Outdoor toys for children
-New games for the toy closet
-Word search and I Spy books
-Stickers for children
-Juice boxes
-Pop
-Bottled water
-Coffee
-Healthy snacks
-Gas cards for families to use for court and therapy appointments
-Doodle pads
-Markers
-Coloring books
-New or gently used stuff animals
-Gift card at an office supply store

*You can also donate by clicking here.