General
What section of the Texas Family code governs how the CAC works?
Section 264 (specifically 264.401-264.411)
Intakes received by the CAC that do not involve DFPS are called what? (bonus points if you know the process too)
I & R (information and referral)
Bonus: The MDT coordinator will contact the appropriate law enforcement agency for case that meet protocol case criteria and determine if CAC services are needed.
How are forensic interviews conducted? (description from the protocols)
Forensic Interviews are coordinated to Avoid duplicative interviewing and are conducted in a manner that is legally sound and of neutral, fact finding nature, as part of the multidisciplinary response.
before the FI, the advocate...?
Meets with the caregiver in order to: discuss the FI process and answer questions
Who should be accessed to determine a need for a medical evaluation?
All children who are suspected victims of child abuse
The MDT is composed of representatives from?
Law enforcement, DFPS, DA, CTMF, UT Heath, and CAC staff (bonus points if you list what CAC staff specifically)
Purpose of case review:
This is the formal process that enables the MDT to monitor and assess its effectiveness (both independently and collectively), thereby ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and families. Case review encourages mutual accountability to help ensure children's needs are met.
Forensic interview criteria:
Verbal children (ages 2-17) and adults either in state care or with developmental delays, who are or have been suspected of being victims of abuse. Included but not limited to sexual, physical, witness to a violent crime, drug endangerment, nsup, or child fatality.
In the post interview, the advocate...?
The advocate and investigator(s) on the case meet with the caregiver to:
-give information on referrals, provide information on what the next step is, provide information on CVC, and crime victims rights
A medical evaluation assesses what?
A medical evaluation assesses the child's emotional and physical health, while also providing crucial forensic findings that will aid in the investigation of concerns of abuse.
Who does the CAC serve?
Children ages 0-17 and adults either in state care or with developmental delays, who are or have been suspected of being victims of SXAB, PHAB, Witness to a violent crime, drug endangerment, neglectful supervision, or child fatality, referred to the Center by LE, DFPS, or the DA.
What are the timelines of review for SWI notifications?
1. Review reports within 24 hours of receipt during regualar business hours
2. Reports received over weekends, holidays, etc. will be reviewed on the next business date.
How are children referred for FIs?
All CACSC interviews shall be referred by either a law enforcement agency, DFPS, DA's office, or court ordered by a judge. No FI shall occur without one of these agencies present.
How are follow ups conducted?
Via phone calls, emails, or in person at a minimum follow ups are initiated at 1 week, 4 weeks, and 3 months, unless more communication is needed.
Physical abuse/ neglect: What are criteria B and C guidelines for who should be offered a medical evaluation?
see page 25
(bonus points for knowing the section of the texas family code)
The recording of the FI is property of the prosecuting attorney. If there is no criminal case, it is the property of the attorney involved in representing DFPS in a civil action alleging child abuse.
If the case is not prosecuted it is property of DFPS. If DFPS is not investigating, it is the property of the agency that referred the case to the CAC.
What do you do with P1 intakes?
Determine investigative agency to contact, and make reports as needed. On-call investigators/detectives will be contacted to determine if CAC services are needed. If not, MDT coordinator will document reason.
What is a multi-session FI?
This is one FI over multiple sessions, by assigned team approval only. Consideration for MSFIs: pre-school aged children, children from culturally diverse backgrounds, children with disabilities, children who have suffered extreme trauma, and victims of human trafficking.
How do family advocates assist with court?
Through court education referrals, coordination with DA victim services to explain process, and accompaniment during trial as needed.
Physical abuse/neglect: What are criteria A guidelines for who should be offered a medical evaluation?
see page 24
List all agenicies that are included in the CACSC MOU and working protocol agreement:
see page 2-3
What are the primary goals of SWI and MDT coordinator initiative?
See page 10 (full points for all 7 bullet points)
What is a subsequent forensic interview?
defined as an interview of a child after the completion of a forensic interview. These must be requested by the assigned team. These are best for addressing new allegations in the same case and/or recant interviews.
Family advocacy and victim support may include but is not limited to:
(full points if you list all 10 bullet points)
See protocols (it's too much to type out) pg. 20
Sexual Abuse: What are criteria A and B guidelines for who should be offered a medical evaluation?
see page 22-23