We’re Here to Support You & Your Family
What can Family Advocates Assist With?
- Referrals: Completing referrals for evidence-based mental health services for both the child and the caregivers.
- Community Resources: Referrals for any other needed community resources.
- Support: Accompany children and families to court for support and comprehension.
- Orders of Protection: Assist in obtaining orders of protection.
- Victims Compensation: Provide information about victim’s rights and the Victim Compensation program.
“Every family that is referred to the CAC is assigned a Family Advocate who serves as their primary point of contact and support person as they navigate the multiple systems and agencies involved in protecting children. The Family Advocate begins by meeting with caregivers during the child’s interview to address concerns, answer questions, and discuss any needed support moving forward.“
What Can You Do To Support Your Child?
- Take care of yourself! Your support is one of the most important factors for your child’s healing, and you can’t support your child without also supporting yourself.
- Return to a normal routine, as much as possible. Your child benefits from structure and routine, and providing that will help them feel safe and supported.
- Be patient with your child. They may need more (or less) of your time and attention than normal, or may display difficult behaviors or emotions. Allow space for them to feel and express themselves.
- Give your child choices and control where appropriate (ex: new bedroom décor).
- Lean on your natural and professional supports, including family and friends, counselors, school staff, and spiritual advisors.
- Avoid questioning your child. Listen to them if they want to talk about what happened and reassure them that they are safe, but do not ask any questions.
Information for Caregivers
What is a Forensic Interview?
A child forensic interview is a child-focused, neutral fact-finding conversation taking into consideration a child’s developmental stage. The interview is designed to elicit the child’s detail of the alleged crime so that there can be a coordinated and efficient investigation and prosecution process as well as offering mental health connection to assure the best possible road to healing.
A child forensic interview is legally sound because it ensures objectivity employs non-leading techniques and emphasizes careful documentation of the interview.
What to Expect During the Forensic Interview?
Expect your appointment to take approximately 2 hours. This includes going over consent forms and questions prior to the interview, the interview itself, and a meeting with the team afterward to talk about next steps. Consider arriving a few minutes early to the appointment. If you are running late, please call the CAC and let us know.
When you arrive, our receptionist will greet you and show you to a private waiting room. The Forensic Interviewer will then meet with you and explain the interview process as well as review the necessary consent forms and request to take a picture of your child. If you or your child prefer, you may bring a recent photo with you in place of this on-site photo.
Once the interview starts, your assigned Family Advocate will meet with you and will discuss counseling services and other needs that you and your child might have.
Legal Proceedings
Keep in mind that the criminal investigation and any court process that results can be very lengthy. Though the CAC is independent of police or the DA’s Office, your Family Advocate will be keeping in touch with your team and can help make sure that your questions are answered along the way. If your child’s case is charged, you will receive a Victim/Witness Advocate from the DA’s Office, but your CAC Family Advocate will always be available to you.