Glossary of Terms

Abuse: As defined by the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (1975), Physical Abuse occurs when a parent or a person responsible for the child's welfare:

"inflicts, causes to be inflicted, or allows to be inflicted upon such child physical injury, by other than accidental means, which causes death, disfigurement, impairment of physical or emotional health, or loss or impairment of any bodily functions".

"creates a substantial risk of physical injury" likely to have the physical impacts listed above.

"acts of torture", defined as deliberately and/or systematically inflicting cruel or unusual treatment which results in physical or mental suffering.

"inflicts excessive corporal punishment".

"commits or allows to be committed the offense of female genital mutilation".

"causes to be sold, transferred, distributed, or given to such child under 18 years of age, a controlled substance" except when prescribed by a physician.

Sexual Abuse occurs when a person responsible for the child's welfare commits any of the following acts:

sexually transmitted diseases, defined as "diseases which were acquired originally as a result of sexual penetration or conduct with an individual who was afflicted".

sexual penetration includes any contact between the sex organ of one person and the sex organ, mouth, or anus of another person.

sexual exploitation, defined as "sexual use of a child for sexual arousal, gratification, advantage, or profit".

sexual molestation, defined as "sexual conduct with a child when such conduct, touching, or interaction is used for the arousal or gratification of sexual needs or desires.

For both physical and sexual abuse, parents and caretakers are charged with the responsibility to take reasonable steps to stop abuse. If they do not, they may be charged with abuse themselves.

Advocacy: The act or process of providing assistance and support for victims of child abuse and family violence.

CASI: The Coordination, Advocacy and Sensitive Interviewing Program (CASI) is the primary service provided at the Children's Advocacy Center. This program is unique in that it works to bring investigators from local law enforcement agencies, DCFS, and the State's Attorney's Office together to investigate allegations of severe physical or sexual abuse. This coordinated approach helps minimize the trauma of the investigative process and leads to better outcomes for the investigators, the child, and her/his family.

Counselor: A person with an advanced degree (Master's level or above) and specialized training in services for child victims of abuse and family violence.

Volunteer: Individuals recruited to participate in CAC programs because of their interest or expertise in some aspect of the mission of the CAC. Volunteers do not receive financial compensation nor participate in any of the CAC benefit programs as a part of their CAC.