FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the purpose of the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC)?
It is to provide a safe, child-friendly environment for child victims of sexual abuse/serious physical abuse to participate in the forensic interview. The main goal is to reduce trauma to the child by videotaping the interview; therefore, decreasing the amount of times the child has to tell his/her story.

What is CASA?
CASA Volunteers are Court Appointed Special Advocates for children—trained community volunteers appointed by a judge to speak up for abused children. CASA Volunteers work as appointed officers of the court, working with the judge and alongside attorneys and social workers from case inception to its completion. For information on the CASA program and how to become a volunteer, click here.

A child is abused...What is going to happen next? How long will this take?
The investigators will interview the alleged perpetrator at a convenient time soon after the incident. Depending on the information they have obtained and his/her responses to the interview, they will proceed as necessary with either further investigation or arrest, if possible. The length of time this investigation takes is completely dependent on information received and the amount of evidence obtained. Then the case will go to the State's Attorney for review and there will be a discussion at our monthly meeting, at which time the Children's Action Network will contact you with follow-up information to keep you informed.

Click here to see a list of questions about reporting child abuse.