http://silentnomore.org/childrens-advocacy-center/
The Process
Referrals to the CAC are made exclusively by Law Enforcement, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), or the District Attorney’s Office. Once the referral is made, there is coordination with the non-offending legal guardian of the child, Law Enforcement investigating the case, representative from prosecution, DHHS, a Mental Health provider (when appropriate), and/or anyone else pertaining to the case to schedule the interview with the child. The child will be interviewed by a specially trained Forensic Interviewer while the other members of the team specific to this case watch from a separate room through closed circuit video. The interview is recorded and a DVD copy of the interview is given to the investigating agent. During the interview, the Family Services Coordinator (FSC) sits with the non-offending guardian to provide support. At the end of the interview, the non-offending guardian is then invited to sit with the team and ask questions and is informed of the next steps in the case. The FSC then stays with the child and offers an opportunity to paint their handprint on the Wall Of Courage and choose a stuffed animal. The family is also provided with referrals to our social service partners, if requested, for advocacy support services, mental health treatment, etc.
The Mission of the CAC of Kennebec & Somerset County: The Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) of Kennebec and Somerset Counties provides a safe, neutral and child-centered place for coordinated evaluation of children following an allegation of sexual abuse. Using evidence-based best-practices, the CAC multi-disciplinary team members are committed to the minimization of trauma through a streamlined, non-repetitious and timely evaluation process. Accessible, on-going support for children and their non-offending family members/legal guardian will always be of paramount importance to the CAC team.
