Forensic Interview: We provide forensic interviews to children aged 2-17. The goal of a forensic interview is to obtain a statement from a child who may have been abused. The interview is conducted in a developmentally-sensitive, unbiased and truth seeking manner that will support accurate and fair decision-making in the criminal justice and child welfare systems. Through a series of non-leading questions, the interviewer gently assesses the child’s communication skills so the interview is conducted at a level that is consistent with the child’s developmental abilities.

The forensic interview is used to assess whether or not a crime has occurred. All interviews conducted are recorded in the CAC interview room with only the child and interviewer in the room. Law enforcement investigators, prosecutors from the District Attorney’s Office, Child Protective Services Investigators, mental health professionals and medical professionals witness the interview through closed circuit television in the monitoring room on-site.

Forensic Evaluation: Children are referred for extended forensic evaluation when: 1) the child does not disclose abuse
to investigators, but exhibits behaviors or other indicators strongly suggestive of victimization, 2) the extent or nature of abuse is not disclosed by the child during the initial investigative interview, or 3) when the information gathered in the initial investigative interview needs further clarification.

The purposes of the Forensic Evaluation are to: (1) determine the likelihood of whether or not the child has been abused, and
to identify suspected perpetrators (2) gather forensically sound facts necessary for child protection and law enforcement officials
to understand what, if anything, has happened (3) allow the child
to disclose over time in a non-threatening environment and to assess the extent and nature of the alleged abuse (4) gather
information regarding the child's social and behavioral functioning in order to make treatment recommendations, and to establish a foundation for effective treatment if needed.

Therapeutic Intervention: The mental health services not only address the abuse allegations but the needs of specialized
population who are victims of sexual/physical abuse. Therapists conduct individual, family, and/or group counseling. By creating a safe, therapeutic relationship, children and their families are able to process their experiences and begin healing from the abuse they have endured. Each client's treatment is individualized to meet his or her emotional, psychological, and developmental needs. Services are offered to children, siblings, and to non-offending caregivers.

Mental Health Assessments: All mental health treatment begins with a thorough assessment process that includes clinical
interviews, observations of the client and his/her family, and administration of psychological self-report measures, and review of relevant documents. The therapist, client (if age appropriate), and the caregiver/parent will meet to review the results of the assessment and then complete a treatment plan that includes identification of specific problems and goals.

Medical Evaluation: Children may be scheduled to receive a medical examination, which may include a sexual assault
examination. All examinations are conducted by a board certified Nurse Practitioner. Chain of evidence protocols are followed to ensure the protection of evidence.

Forensic Medical Examinations: Ideally, all children who are suspected to have been victims of maltreatment, especially child sexual abuse, should have a medical evaluation by a healthcare professional experienced in forensic examination of children and with experience in multidisciplinary response. The clinician has experience in pediatric genital anatomy, photo colposcopy and recognition of sexually transmitted disease, have access to established experts in the field and by willing to testify to their findings in court.

Well Child Check-ups: Children taken into protective custody receive a comprehensive examination including blood and hair analysis, especially if removed from the home for drug endangerment, at the CAP center. These examinations will be conducted by a board certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Any findings or recommended referrals will be passed on to that child’s DFS caseworker.

Victim Support/Advocacy: The Advocates are designed to support non-offending caregivers in cases of alleged child sexual
abuse in such a manner that they can act responsibly to protect & support the alleged child victim.

The non-offending caregiver, particularly in incest cases, is besieged by a wide array of pressures and emotions. If the child is to be protected and remain in their own home the non-offending caregiver often must choose to support the child in the face of their own denial, that of the alleged abuser, and the denial of their family and friends. This task is made more difficult by the array of emotions with which the parent must deal, including denial, shame, rejection, fear, anger, and loss. Added to this is the reality many such parents were themselves victimized as children, thus
the alleged abuse potentially rekindles old deep-seated emotions. Combined with the emotional stress is the financial impact
caused by sudden separations and the loneliness and isolation often resulting from separations.

The Advocate helps to identify the non-offending caregiver's most urgent need for the family. Basic needs must be met first, such as food, clothing, shelter and safety of the child. The advocate’s role is to provide support for the non-offending caregiver and help guide the caregiver toward healthy decision making.

Case Review: Team discussion and information sharing regarding the investigation, case status and services needed by the child and family occur on a routine basis.

Case Tracking: A system of monitoring case progress and tracking case outcomes for team components to ensure statistical
accuracy.