Have a Question?
General FAQ
- What is the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC)?
- What is a forensic interview?
- What is child abuse?
- How is a CAC different from a hospital or police station?
- Who can be interviewed at the CAC?
- What is a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)?
- What is a Forensic Interviewer, and why is it best practice for children to be interviewed by one?
- How are families supported through the CAC?
- What types of services are offered at a CAC?
- Does the CAC charge for their services?
- Who does the CAC work with in the community?
Parent / Caregiver
- How does a child or adult with disabilities get referred to the Child Advocacy Center (CAC)?
- Can parents / caregivers watch the interview with the MDT or be in the interview room during the interview?
- What should I do if I think a child is being abused?
- Should I enroll my child in therapy services?
- What do I tell my child about the CAC?
- Should I talk to my child about what happened before and after the interview?
- What should I say to my child after finding out about the abuse?
General FAQ:
What is the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC)?
The CAC conducts developmentally appropriate and legally sound forensic interviews of children for allegations of sexual/physical/emotional abuse, neglect, and witnessing of domestic violence/homicide. The center additionally connects children and caregivers to resources that meet their immediate needs. We are both child and case centered. Our goal is to reduce trauma to the child by minimizing the number of interviews varied professionals may conduct regarding the allegations, provide them a corrective disclosing experience in a child friendly environment, as well as organize the child’s free memory recall to encourage disclosure of legally actionable information. We accomplish this through a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach. Our partners include: law enforcement, district attorneys, child protective services, county counsel, advocates, forensic nurses, and mental health/community services. PPT?
CACs are found all across the United States – accomplishing similar goals. Click on the hyperlink to read more about the national CAC model.
What is a forensic interview?
A forensic interview is a neutral fact-finding investigative opportunity that gathers information from a child in a way that minimizes suggestibility and maximizes the accuracy of their disclosure.
What is child abuse?
Child abuse has many forms. Some examples include:
- Emotional Abuse – also known as psychological or verbal abuse. It involves a pattern of behavior that negatively impairs the child’s emotional development and their sense of self-worth. It occurs when a child is repeatedly made to feel worthless, unloved, alone or scared. Examples include rejection, bullying, yelling, criticism, and threatening.
- Physical Abuse – occurs when a child’s body is intentionally hurt. Examples include hitting, kicking, punching, shaking, and burning. It does not include reasonable disciplinary action or accidental injury by an adult.
- Sexual Abuse – also called child molestation, is when a child is pressured or forced to engage in or be subjected to sexual acts. This includes, but is not limited to fondling, rape, incest, and sexual exploitation.
- Neglect – can be physical or medical. Physical neglect is failure to provide adequate food, clothing, and/or shelter for a child. Medical neglect is the failure to seek medical care when necessary. This may affect the child’s health, growth, and development. Caretakers who are consistently unavailable for the child’s needs are considered neglectful.
How is a CAC different from a hospital or police station?
The CAC is a child friendly place for children, providing a safe and calming environment. The goal is to have the child interviewed once by a trained specialist who will then coordinate with the legal and medical agencies to provide next steps for the child.
Who can be interviewed at the CAC?
Children can be forensically interviewed once a Law Enforcement and/or a Department of Children and Family Services report alleging child abuse is generated.
Who can be interviewed at the CAC?
Children can be forensically interviewed once a Law Enforcement and/or a Department of Children and Family Services report alleging child abuse is generated.
What is a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)?
A multidisciplinary team is a group of professionals from different agencies and disciplines committed to serving a singular goal or client. For CACs, MDT teams are comprised of forensic interviewers, law enforcement, district attorneys, child protective services, county counsel, advocates, forensic nurses, and mental health/community services.
What is a Forensic Interviewer, and why is it best practice for children to be interviewed by one?
A Forensic Interviewer is a trained professional who conducts the interview of a child who may have experienced child abuse. The interview takes place in a child centered space and is conducted with compassion and sensitivity. The interviewer asks questions and allows the child to speak freely about their experience. Interviews are remotely observed by representatives of the agencies involved in the investigation (such as law enforcement and child protective services). This helps reduce the trauma the child may experience by undergoing multiple interviews.
How are families supported through the CAC?
Families are supported by providing a safe environment, answering general questions, and providing referral information for counseling and other needed services.
What types of services are offered at a CAC?
The Children’s Advocacy Center provides professional and comprehensive forensic interviews of child abuse allegations. The goal is to reduce the trauma to the child by minimizing the number of interviews for evidence collection. We do this through a multidisciplinary team approach including coordination with:
- Local prosecution
- Law enforcement
- Forensic medical evaluators
- Child protection
- Case management
- Advocacy
- Mental health linkages
Does the CAC charge for their services?
The Children’s Advocacy Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable agency. The CAC is funded by private donations and grants. No child or their family is ever charged a fee and our services are offered at no cost to our multi-disciplinary partners.
Who does the CAC work with in the community?
- Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
- Los Angeles Police Department
- Municipal Law Enforcement agencies
- Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
- Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services
- Forensic Nurse Specialists
- Masonic Homes of California
- Masonic Center for Youth and Family Services
- For the Child
- Pet Prescription Team
- Office of the County Counsel
- Bikers against Child Abuse
- Crime Survivors
Caregiver / Parent:
How does a child or adult with disabilities get referred to the Child Advocacy Center (CAC)?
Professional agency representatives who deal with child abuse reports call the Center to schedule appointments for children and their families.
Can parents / caregivers watch the interview with the MDT or be in the interview room during the interview?
No, parents/caregivers are not allowed to watch or be in the room during the interview. The interview is part of a formal investigation, and anyone viewing the interview could be served by a court subpoena.
What should I do if I think a child is being abused?
If you suspect a child is being neglected or abused, do the right thing and make a report. Reach out to your local law enforcement agency (9-1-1) or the Department of Children and Family Services at 1-800-540-4000.
Should I enroll my child in therapy services?
Your child may need the opportunity to talk with a professional therapist or counselor. Children are often uncomfortable discussing abuse with parents because they may feel shame, embarrassment or guilt. Therapy is a positive step toward your child’s recovery and healing.
What do I tell my child about the CAC?
You might tell your child that you are going to a special place where kids go to make sure they are safe. They will be talking to a person who talks to many children about all kinds of things. It is important to tell your child that they should tell the truth, and emphasize that they are not in trouble.
Should I talk to my child about what happened before and after the interview?
You should not question your child after the interview. If they want to talk about the interview, just listen without commenting or judging.
What should I say to my child after finding out about the abuse?
Your child needs to know that you believe them and will support them. You need to provide love and reassurance.
Some things to say:
- I believe you
- I’m sorry this happened to you
- I will do my best to protect you, now that I know
- I know it wasn’t your fault
- I’m glad I know
- You will get through this, but it may take a long time
- I am upset with the person who did this, but not with you
- I’m sad and may cry, but that’s all right. I will take care of you.