Forensic and Advocacy Services

A forensic interview is available to all children ages 3-17 in cases of alleged sexual or physical abuse or other crimes involving children as victims or witnesses.

​

CAC uses a trauma-informed, collaborative model that starts with a referral from our law enforcement or DCFS Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)* partners. This model protects the child’s well-being and allows CAC's Forensic Interviewer to gather the child's account in a safe, neutral environment. The MDT observes the interview via a real-time live feed. Team members then work together, using the forensic interview, to determine the next steps in the investigative process.

​​

All families using CAC’s services are also paired with an Advocate who provides extensive support to the child and non-offending family members including:

• navigating the complex criminal justice system

• referrals to CAC’s in-house mental health services (or outside medical or mental health care providers if needed)

• connections to other community resources for help with housing, food, legal or transportation needs

​

*Following the collaborative, evidence-based model established by the National Children's Alliance, the MDT includes: law enforcement, DCFS/child protective services, the State's Attorney's Office, healthcare personnel and CAC staff. CAC facilitates team communication and is a link between the MDT and client families. CAC is fully accredited by the National Children's Alliance.