Mercer County Children's Advocacy Center

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Mercer County Children's Advocacy Center
  • Home
  • About Mercer CAC
  • What to Expect
    • Forensic Interview Services
    • Medical Exams
    • Trauma Treatment
  • For Families and Children
    • What is Child Abuse and Neglect?
      • Effects of Child Abuse and Neglect
      • Myths and Facts About Child Abuse and Neglect
      • Recognize the Signs of Abuse and Neglect
    • What is Child Neglect?
      • Preventing Neglect
      • Recognize the Signs of Neglect and Emotional Maltreatment
      • Reporting Neglect
      • Responding to Neglect
    • What is Child Physical Abuse?
      • Preventing Physical Abuse
      • Recognize the Signs of Physical Abuse
      • Reporting Physical Abuse
      • Responding to Physical Abuse
    • What is Child Sexual Abuse?
      • Preventing Sexual Abuse
      • Recognize the Signs of Sexual Abuse
      • Reporting Sexual Abuse
      • Responding to Sexual Abuse
    • Keeping your Child Safe
      • Domestic Violence and Kids
  • Resources
    • Reading Resources
    • Resource Guide for Working with Adolescents
    • Talking To Your Children About Sexuality
    • What is Age-Appropriate?
    • What to DO if you Suspect a Child is Being Abused
  • Internet Safety
    • Abbreviations and Text Terms
    • Cyberbullying & Sextortion
    • Facebook- How to Keep My Child Safe
    • Instagram- How to Keep My Child Safe
    • Snapchat- How to Keep My Child Safe
    • Social Media Safety

What to Expect at the CAC

 

observation roomWhat is the investigative process?

The MDT consists of a group of professionals such as law enforcement officers, assistant district attorneys, advocates, nurses, and a forensic interview specialist. All of these professionals are sensitive to the difficult and confusing time that you and your child may be experiencing. The CYS worker must assess the safety and protection of your child. The forensic interview specialist will ask your child questions and be part of the team discussion following the interview. A nurse will address any medical concerns, and a medical interview room 1 (2)exam is available to every child. The law enforcement officer is from the location where the alleged incident occurred, and along with the assistant district attorney will determine if a crime has been committed and what other investigative steps must be taken. The victim advocate will be your link to supports. The MDT’s overall goal is to complete the investigation in a child friendly, timely and professional manner.

 

 

interview room 3

 

 

What should my child know about the interview?

Children seem to be put at ease by knowing what to expect. It is helpful to inform your child that someone wishes to talk with him or her about what was reported. It is important to reassure your child and give him or her permission to talk freely; however it is equally important not to rehearse with your child or tell your child what to say.

What to expect at the CAC

 

 

family room 1What can I expect immediately following the interview?

At the end of the interview, the CYS investigator and/or law enforcement will inform you about what will happen next. Unless told otherwise, you and your child are free to leave after talking with the investigators. The team will meet and develop a plan. An advocate or the CYS investigator may contact you at a later date with more detailed information.

 

 

interview room 2 (2)What should my child know about the medical exam?

If your child receives a medical examination, explain that this is to make sure that his or her body is healthy. Assure your child that this exam will not hurt and that the medical examiner will tell your child everything that she will be doing prior to the exam.

Resources

  • What to DO if you Suspect a Child is Being Abused
  • Keeping your Child Safe
    • Domestic Violence and Kids
  • Resource Guide for Working with Adolescents
  • Reading Resources
  • Internet Safety
    • Social Media Safety
    • Facebook- How to Keep My Child Safe
    • Instagram- How to Keep My Child Safe
    • Snapchat- How to Keep My Child Safe
    • Abbreviations and Text Terms
    • Cyberbullying & Sextortion

Mercer County CAC

  • Abbreviations and Text Terms
  • About Mercer CAC
  • Awareness Month Blog
  • Behaviors to Watch Out for When Adults are with Children
  • Contact Us
  • Cyberbullying & Sextortion
  • Domestic Violence and Kids
  • Donation Confirmation
  • Donation Failed
  • Donation History
  • Effects of Child Abuse and Neglect
  • Facebook- How to Keep My Child Safe
  • Family Safety Plan
  • FAQ about Forensic Interview Services
  • For Families and Children
  • Instagram- How to Keep My Child Safe
  • Internet Safety
  • Keeping your Child Safe
  • Medical Exams
  • Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission
  • Mission Statement
  • Myths and Facts About Child Abuse and Neglect
  • Origins of the CAC
  • Preventing Neglect
  • Preventing Physical Abuse
  • Preventing Sexual Abuse
  • Reading Resources
  • Recognize the Signs of Abuse and Neglect
  • Recognize the Signs of Neglect and Emotional Maltreatment
  • Recognize the Signs of Physical Abuse
  • Recognize the Signs of Sexual Abuse
  • Reporting Neglect
  • Reporting Physical Abuse
  • Reporting Sexual Abuse
  • Resource Guide for Working with Adolescents
  • Resources
  • Responding to Neglect
  • Responding to Physical Abuse
  • Responding to Sexual Abuse
  • Snapchat- How to Keep My Child Safe
  • Social Media Safety
  • Talking To Your Children About Sexuality
  • Tip Sheet: How To Protect Your Child From Sexual Abuse In Program Settings*
  • Trauma Treatment
  • Welcome to the Mercer County Children’s Advocacy Center
  • What is Age-Appropriate?
  • What is Child Abuse and Neglect?
  • What is Child Neglect?
  • What is Child Physical Abuse?
  • What is Child Sexual Abuse?
  • What to DO if you Suspect a Child is Being Abused
  • What to Expect at the CAC
  • What to expect when calling ChildLine
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  • Home
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  • What to Expect
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