CHILD ABUSE SERVICES TEAM (CAST)

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When appropriate, the police agency will refer victims of child sexual abuse to CAST for the support and victim services CAST provides. The assigned police officer in conjunction with the medical providers and District Attorney at CAST will determine if a medical examination of the victim is necessary. In non -emergency cases, the examination should be performed by appointment at CAST. The police officer will provide the emergency response worker with an event number (crime report or log entry number) to be included on the DOJ Form BCIA 8583, and comply with the mandatory reporting statute. Upon conclusion of the interview, the assigned law enforcement officer should participate in the multidisciplinary team review of the case if such a meeting is requested. The police officer assigned to the preliminary investigation, and the follow-up investigator, will ensure that all pertinent evidence, medical reports, and written statements are collected. The completed investigation will be referred to the District Attorney's Office for filing, if appropriate. When a criminal case if filed, the assigned officer will maintain contact with the District Attorney, Social Services, and Victim Services through the Child Abuse Services Team (CAST) for exchange of information pertinent to the case developed after filing.