Program areas at Escambia County Regional Child Advocacy Center
To coordinate & facilitate a multidisciplinary team approach of the investigation of Child abuse & neglect to ensure taht victims are not again vicitmized by the criminal justice system. Team consiting of members from the cac, law enforcement, prosecution, human resources, mental health & medical meet monthly or more often if needed to support thorough investigations & prosecutions. Director chairs committee.
Child victims & non-offending family members, foster parents, & relatives are provided assistance from initial contact throughout life of case including prosecution with legal rights responsiblities, support & court preparation. Staff accompanies victims & families to court, doctors, if needed.
Children are interviewed in a Child friendly, safe placed by a trained forensic interview to lessen the trauma to the Child. Information & referral services are made for expert medical & mental health treatment. Several chilren victims of sexual & physical abuse were provided services including children who received forensic interviews.
Community education & community awareness programs presented to community & schools throughout year for Child abuse prevention & community awareness. Law enforcement & social workers trained in the latest techniques in the investigation of Child abuse & neglect, supplies, travel within region, & to conferences provded to md team members.