Children's Advocacy Center Services
Child-friendly Environment
A Children’s Advocacy Center provides a comfortable, private, child-friendly setting that is both physically and psychologically safe for the child.
Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Investigation
Multidisciplinary Teams are defined in KRS 431.600(1) as:
Each investigation of reported or suspected sexual abuse of a child shall be conducted by a specialized multidisciplinary team composed, at a minimum, of law enforcement officers and social workers from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Cabinet for Health and Family Services social workers shall be available to assist in all investigations under this section but shall be lead investigators only in those cases of reported or suspected sexual abuse of a child in which a person exercising custodial control or supervision, as defined in KRS 600.020 is the alleged of suspected perpetrator of the abuse.
Forensic Interviews
The purpose of forensic interviews is to obtain the most accurate and complete information as possible from an alleged victim to assess if abuse has occurred. A forensic interviewer employed by the CAC may conduct the interview or a trained law enforcement or social service worker may use the CAC to conduct their own interview. CACs provide the technology for the investigative team to participate in the interview through closed circuit television and wireless audio equipment. The interview is recorded, thus reducing the number of times the children must be interviewed. Forensic Interviewers employed at CACs are specially trained to talk and interact with children while assessing their capabilities and gathering legally sound facts regarding abuse allegations. The information gathered during the forensic interview aids with criminal and child welfare investigations.
Mental Health Services
Professional counseling may be necessary to the child’s recovery process. CACs may have a trained therapist on-site or may refer to mental health providers throughout the region to ensure children and families receive the services they need at the earliest opportunity to further the healing process.
Specialized Child Abuse Medical Examinations
Medical examinations are conducted for children who have made allegations of sexual abuse when recommended by and coordinated with the investigating agencies. The medical exam is important to ensure a child is healthy and without injury. In addition, the information gathered in the exam process can be used in the criminal investigation.
Advocacy
After a disclosure of sexual abuse by a child, the family is forced to deal with many stressful issues. Advocates at the CACs are available to aid the family during this time. Advocates will provide support, information, education, crisis counseling and assistance with completing Crime Victim Compensation applications.
Court Preparation and Advocacy
Advocates assist the child and his/her non-offending caregivers to ensure they are adequately prepared for the legal and court processes following a disclosure of abuse. Some centers provide this service directly to children and families and/or work closely with prosecution based victim advocates to ensure the needs of child victims and families are considered throughout the prosecution process.
Public and Professional Education
CACs are dedicated to providing support and training to meet the needs of staff, professionals, and the general public on topics related to child abuse. CACs recognize that education of individuals, professionals, and communities is critical in creating cultural changes to reduce the incidence and impact of child abuse. Each center varies in the training services and resources offered, so contact your local CAC to find out what is available.
IF YOU NEED FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
The Kentucky Association of Children’s Advocacy Centers
649 Charity Court, Room #4
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 223-5117 |
