NCJ Number
100163
Date Published
Unknown
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the development and operations of the Children's Advocacy Center, a multidisciplinary, child-focused program implemented under the leadership of the district attorney's office to handle child sexual abuse cases in Madison County, Ala.
Abstract
Steps taken by the Madison County District Attorney to redesign the approach to child sexual abuse cases are described, included scheduling multidisciplinary team meetings to review cases and forming a community child sexual abuse task force. All services and activities regarding child sexual abuse cases are located in and coordinated through the Children's Advocacy Center, located in a house in Huntsville. Agencies involved are the police, district attorney's office, and protective services. The child victim is given a videotaped interview, possibly in phases or several sessions, and given a tour of the Center. The case then is reviewed by a team and therapy initiated. Other program components include the Victim-Witness Coordinator who acts as the child victim's advocate throughout the judicial process and a diversion program for offenders.