Terms to Know

  • “CAC” – Children’s Advocacy Center 
    • The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Bristol County, a program of JRI, is a private, non-profit agency that assists children and families impacted by the trauma of abuse and violence. Based upon a national, child-focused model, the center provides a sensitive and coordinated response to allegations and disclosures of child abuse. 
  • “MDT”– Multidisciplinary Team 
    • The multidisciplinary team approach to child abuse investigations brings investigating agencies, resources, and care to the child. The MDT is comprised of forensic interviewers, medical providers, family advocates, mental health providers, prosecutors, child protective services, and law enforcement. While each member of the MDT has a clearly defined role, the team works together to reach the best outcome for the child. 
    • The MDT includes representatives from law enforcement, the Department of Children & Families, the District Attorney’s office, the Pedi-SANE program, and CAC staff. 
  • “FI” – Forensic Interview 
    • Forensic Interviews provide children a safe place to tell their story to specially trained professionals who use non-leading techniques, in a trauma-informed manner to address an allegation of abuse. 
  •  “BERT” – Bristol County Emergency Response Team 
    • Protocol for immediate communication and joint agency response for law enforcement, DCF, DA, and the CAC. BERT is an immediate communication practice and joint investigative response for emergent child abuse allegations.
  • “Pedi-Sane” – Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner 
    • The Pedi SANE nurse is specially-trained to care for children when there is a concern or report of sexual abuse. This care may include the recommendation that a child have a special exam known as a forensic medical exam.  
  • “DCF” – Department of Children and Families 
    • Massachusetts Department of Children and Families is the clearing house for all allegations of abuse and neglect in the state. In order for a case to come into the CAC, a 51A must be filed through DCF. The department is present within the MDT system to address safety concerns within the child’s household, to provide alternative placement when necessary.  
  • “51A” 
    • In Massachusetts, a “51A” report refers to a formal allegation of child abuse or neglect filed with DCF. It’s named after Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119, Section 51A, which outlines the process for reporting suspected child maltreatment. The report is a starting point for DCF involvement, investigation, and forensic interviewing through the CAC when necessary.  
    • A 51A can be filed by a mandated reporter within the state or anonymously from a concerned community member. 
    • If you suspect a child is possibly being abused, neglected or exploited, please contact 1-800-792-5200 
  • “LE” – Law Enforcement  
    • We work with local law enforcement in all 20 cities and towns within Bristol County, in addition to Bristol County Sheriff’s Department. Law enforcement is a critical part of our work, having the ability to protect children and families in regards to any safety issues, collect evidence to support criminal investigations and pursue justice for survivors.  
  • “DA” – Bristol County District Attorney’s Office 
    • A major partner of the CAC is the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, specifically the Special Victims Unit. Our in-house forensic interviewers and NEADS assistance dog, Chief are brought to us by the District Attorney’s Office. The DA oversees the criminal and court process for child abuse and assault cases.
  • “CSEC” – Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children  
    • A form of child sexual abuse and exploitation where sexual acts by a minor are exchanged for something of value.  
  • “CSAM” – Child Sexual Abuse Material  
    • Formerly identified as child pornography, CSAM is any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor (a person less than 18 years old).