From left, Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, Harris County Domestic Violence Bureau Chief Mary McFaden and Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin announce the POET program on Oct. 2, 2026. Michael Garcia/Staff Writer

The Harris County District Attorney's Office is partnering with the Harris County Attorney's Office to expand free protective-order services through a new program that will bring additional advocates to meet survivors where they are, help them seek orders, develop safety plans and connect with counseling and other support.

The program, referred to as POET, for Protective Order Extended Team, will expand outreach, education and access to protective order services for people across Harris County, according to a news release from the district attorney's office. Social workers and domestic-violence-trained caseworkers will work with select agencies to provide victim assistance, including danger assessment, safety planning and connecting applications for protective orders, the release states.


During an Oct. 2 news conference, Harris County Domestic Violence Bureau Chief Mary McFaden said the initiative would expand her team of trained domestic violence advocates to assist survivors with filing protective orders and  ensure wraparound support and stabilization for survivors,  according to a joint release by the agencies.

McFaden's team of four advocates, part of the Domestic Violence Bureau that received a share of county funding in 2025, will grow to nine under the new partnership, with plans for further expansion.The program could expand access to resources for survivors who face transportation barriers by bringing advocates into their communities. Advocates can also help survivors access relocation and financial assistance and apply for protective orders.

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 Through POET, our mission is to ensure survivors have access to safety and justice wherever they are,  she said, noting the 

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