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“Helping People Living Better Lives”

| pg. 473 1. Forensic Interview; 2. Victim Advocacy; 3. Mental Health; 4. Coordination; 5. Other Relevant CAC Staff Activities; 6. Training; and 7. State Chapter Services. Child Advocacy Center Services A. Forensic Interview A forensic interview provides children with a safe place to disclose what happened to them or what they witnessed. Nationally trained experts interview children using developmentally appropriate techniques. Forensic interviews capture evidence for investigating agencies in a way that minimizes trauma and ensures accuracy. “ For the Forensic Interview, the relevant provisions of the pre-TANF state plan are contained in the following sections in Attachment 3-A: Section B: Kinds of assistance to meet the emergency situation: B 2. safe living environment and crisis counseling in circumstances of family violence or need for child welfare services. Example: The CACs offer a temporary safe environment for children during the forensic interview process and until a longer-term living arrangement is available. Section C: Kinds of services to meet the emergency situation: C.1. Case management, counseling, therapy, and any other social services provided to alleviate the emergency situation. C.2. Parenting education and training, family support and development of services provided to alleviate the emergency situation. C.4. Explore and assist the applicant in obtaining any other sources of aid available to alleviate the crisis situation. C.5. Assist in developing a plan to alleviate and avoid a recurrence of the crisis. Example: The CAC forensic interview provides the necessary information for the formation of the plan to alleviate and avoid the recurrence of the crisis. After the information is gathered, CAC staff work with the families to ensure the children are safe from further harm and the families are connected to resources to move on from the crisis. C.7. Community-based program intended to prevent, deter, or otherwise correct behaviors and avoid an emergency condition that would result in court-ordered placement in a juvenile diagnostic and evaluation center or youth rehabilitation and treatment center. Example: The forensic interviews conducted by the CACs provide information that can establish that children who have run away are victims and not status offenders. B. Victim Advocacy Child Advocacy Center Advocates acknowledge that parent/caregiver support is essential to reducing trauma and improving outcomes for children and family members. Client access to up-to-