CHILD ABUSE SERVICES TEAM “C.A.S.T.”

VIDEO The CAST Story

What is C.A.S.T. CAST conducts forensic interviews and medical exams of suspected victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and witnesses to violence For Children 0-17 years of age For Developmentally disabled adults

In the Field – What to Do Only conduct a basic interview of victim: establish the parameters of the crime Determine timeframe (first and last occurrence); jurisdiction; only basic details of most recent or memorable incident Share info with social worker rather than re-interviewing the victim Follow department protocol on when to contact detective or investigator, but the sooner the victim has a forensic interview, the better Medical exam – if there has been contact within 10 days, need acute exam. Call for consult if there has been contact or penetration outside of 10 days

Regarding Victim and Victim’s family: Name Address DOB Primary Language Telephone Special Needs CWha Setting Up an Interview or Medical Exam Info you will need to provide

Regarding Alleged Perpetrator: Name DOB Address Relationship to child/family Was/is a suspect living in the home? Currently in custody? CWha Setting Up an Interview or Medical Exam Info you will need to provide

Reason for interview: Physical Abuse Sexual Abuse Domestic Violence Witness Other Has a child abuse report been made to CAR? If yes, provide date and time DR Number or State Number CWha Setting Up an Interview or Medical Exam Info you will need to provide

At the pre-interview briefing you will be asked to provide case details for the team members A specially trained child forensic interviewer interviews child with other team members observing through a one-way mirror A deputy district attorney monitors interviews and provides immediate case review & consultation on investigatory needs, assistance with search warrants, and evidentiary questions. Interviews

Any of the following circumstances would indicate the need for an ACUTE/IMMEDIATE examination: Direct genital contact by a suspect’s body part or object Genital pain, discomfort, or bleeding from assault Occurred within the last 240 hours Child’s disclosures: minimizing, unwilling or reluctant (over age 12 need youth’s consent) Medical Exam

Any of the circumstances below may indicate the need for a NON-ACUTE examination: Direct genital contact by a suspect’s body part or object Genital-to- genital penetration at any time in the past Any anal penetration that resulted in pain or bleeding or recurrent Genital pain, discomfort, or bleeding at time of assault Child’s disclosures: minimizing, unwilling or reluctant (over age 12 need youth’s consent) Medical Exam

Non-offending parents should accompany their child to CAST Parents are not allowed to watch the forensic interview Professionals involved in the case will be present to meet with and assist parents Engaging Parents

401 THE CITY DRIVE ORANGE, CA DURING BUSINESS HOURS: M-F AFTER HOURS: CALL CHILD ABUSE REGISTRY (CAR) Child Abuse Services Team