FORENSIC INTERVIEWS

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Delaware (CACD) exists to minimize the trauma of duplicative interviews and multiple interviewers on children and their families. The CACD provides a child friendly setting where forensic interviews are conducted with children suspected of having been victims of or witnesses to physical abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, or other serious crimes. The interviewer conducts developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive interviews designed to obtain accurate information from children. Each interview is videotaped and audio taped to document the child's statement and to minimize the number of interviews a child must endure.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAMS AND CASE REVIEWS

The Children’s Advocacy Center coordinates a multidisciplinary team with a goal of increasing communication and decreasing duplicative interviews of children. The multidisciplinary team consists of all investigators and agencies involved with the family, including, but not limited to Division of Family Services, Law Enforcement, Attorney General’s Office, Mental Health, medical personnel, and the CACD staff. The multidisciplinary case reviews are held twice a month. These reviews provide a forum for all team members to communicate, provide information, and make decisions regarding each case.

MEDICAL SERVICES

The Children’s Advocacy Center primarily offers non-acute medical evaluations of children of suspected of being abused. Medical personnel specially trained assessing physical and sexual abuse conduct exams in a child-friendly atmosphere at the CACD. Medical staff takes into account both the child’s emotional and physical health needs. CACD’s medical staff will document all examinations and evidence discovered.

VICTIM SUPPORT/ADVOCACY/MENTAL HEALTH

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Delaware has a primary responsibility to the victims and their families. The multidisciplinary team is responsible for assisting victims and their families throughout the investigation and prosecution process. The team will assist victims and their families with obtaining counseling and other treatment services through referrals. There is a social worker on staff at each site who can provide families  referrals for services like Mental Health Evaluations, Forensic Evaluations, and counseling.  The social workers also provide support and follow-ups with family members and victims..

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Delaware is able to provide education to the community through conferences and speaking engagements. Community education programs are available at no cost to any interested agency or group.  The CAC also provides technical assistance and training to collaborating agencies.