The unit is responsible for investigating all criminal cases of physical abuse and neglect of children 14 years of age or younger, runaways and sexual abuse of children younger than 17 years of age, occurring in the City of Pharr. Responsibilities include but are not limited to arranging forensic interviews for child victims, interviewing and taking statements of witnesses or suspects, scene preservation, evidence collection and the execution of search and/or arrests warrants. The Department also provides critical and immediate crisis intervention and counseling in addition to follow-up counseling for children and families involved in the criminal justice system. Other services provided by the Department include information and referral for services provided by the Child Protection Unit or other local services, community training and education on child abuse and crime victim compensation for victims of abuse.