CHILD ABUSE SERVICES TEAM (CAST)

Home Browse Search

N-2018-089 LAW ENFORCEMENT PROTOCOL CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE CASES OPERATIONAL AGREEMENT I. PURPOSE To implement interagency protocols between Law Enforcement, Social Services, District Attorney, Child Abuse Services Team (CAST), and victim services providers for use in cases involving allegations of child sexual abuse. The protocols will clarify the role of each agency, coordinate activities to reduce the trauma to the victim and provide for the use of a single, non -threatening site for all of the activities. II. GUIDELINES A. General Whenever practical, police and social services will attempt to conduct a joint interview with a view toward keeping the interviews of the child to a minimum. B. Law Enforcement Role All suspected child abuse reports made to a local police agency shall be cross - reported by telephone to the Child Abuse Registry immediately or as soon as practical. The law enforcement agency shall also send a written report within 36 hours of receiving the report of child abuse to social services, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the District Attorney's office as required under Section 11166 (g) of the Penal Code. When the initial disclosure by the victim is made to law enforcement, the police officer will determine whether or not an immediate response by social services should be initiated. When an immediate response is necessary, the officer will initiate immediate contact with social services; and whenever practical wait for the arrival of an emergency response worker before conducting a further interview of the child. When responding to a report of child sexual abuse with a social worker already involved, the responding officer will attempt to obtain as much information as possible from the social worker to avoid duplicating the interview. Depending upon the individual case or situation, the initial joint interview will be conducted by either the police officer o. aal ser nceS worker. The selection of the primary interviewer will be based on a variety of factors including: the experience and training of the interviewers, the rapport already established with the child, and the information already known.