Watch this video from the National Children’s Alliance to gain a better understanding on how CAC’s operate.
Our Services
Forensic interviews are legally justifiable, fact-finding interviews with a child conducted by specially trained professionals at the request of law enforcement or DHR. The interviews are conducted in a child-friendly, child-safe space.
Forensic Interviews
Trauma- Focused Therapy
Specializing in trauma-focused therapy, the Center’s therapy staff offers services to children who have been victimized by abuse or neglect who are dealing with the aftermath of abuse.
Family Advocacy
In a child abuse case, the perpetrator is usually someone close to the family, or someone who lives in the home. In fact, 90 percent of child abuse victims know, love, and trust their abusers. The abuser may even be a family’s primary breadwinner. The entire family is suddenly in crisis. Non-offending family members must have support in order to protect their children and rebuild their lives. The role of the advocate is to provide support and education to the family. Additionally, the advocate helps connect the family to resources and guides the family through the court process.
FAQs
If I want my child to be seen at the Limestone Child Advocacy Center, what is the referral process?
Please report suspected abuse and neglect to the proper law enforcement agency or the Department of Human Resources (256-216-6440).
The first step is making the report. Once the report is made and accepted for investigation, law enforcement or the Department of Health Human Resources will arrange for a forensic interview at the Limestone CAC. Sometimes it may hard to figure out what to do. If you are not sure and would like to talk to one of our child advocates, please call the Limestone CAC between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at (256) 998-5556.
What kinds of cases are seen at the Limestone CAC?
The Limestone CAC is available for fact-finding interviews of children who are alleged to have been victims of:
Sexual abuse, including children exhibiting sexualized behaviors
Sex and Labor trafficking
Serious Physical Abuse
Witness to violent crimes, including domestic violence, homicide, or robbery
Kidnapping or attempted kidnapping
Exposure to possession, use and manufacturing of illegal drugs
Who will my child talk to?
Your child will be talking to one of our specialized forensic interviewers. Forensic interviewers are trained to ask questions in an open ended, developmentally appropriate, and non-leading manner. Forensic interviewers receive ongoing training to ensure quality and best practice standards are upheld.
Interviews take place in our child friendly interview room. Our room is equipped with comfortable seating and recording equipment.
Will I be able to watch my child’s interview?
Only professionals directly involved with the investigation observe the interview. This provides the most neutral setting for the child to be able to speak freely. Professionals directly involved in the investigation may include law enforcement, the department of human resources (DHR) and the District Attorney’s Office. The team members have the responsibility of observing, assessing, and investigating the allegations. In order to keep the team’s focus on the child, caregivers are not permitted in the observation room.
All interviews at the Limestone CAC are recorded to minimize the number of times a child will have to talk about the allegations.
What will I do during my child’s interview?
During this time you will meet with our family advocate. You will be able to ask questions about the process and learn more about community resources. Information about our counseling services will be provided.
What happens after the interview?
Following the interview, you may meet with law enforcement, and department of human resources to discuss next steps in their process. A referral for medical or mental health services may be completed depending on the circumstances and information obtained in the interview.
If you have questions at any point during the investigation or prosecution of your child’s case, please contact your advocate.
The CAC is available to provide support and guide you in the right direction.