CASI provides front-line intervention for children and families, during and following the investigation of the alleged sexual abuse. This program is unique in that it works to coordinate members of local law enforcement agencies, investigators from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the State's Attorney's Office to minimize the trauma of the investigative process.

The services of the program include:

	24-hour availability for referral and investigative response
	Coordination between the family and mandated investigators
	Expert interviewing of alleged child victims of abuse
	On-site medical evaluations
	Support services for children and families
	Crisis intervention
	Links to counseling and other community services
	Court preparation and advocacy
	Services available in Spanish

The CAC staff arrange for the child and her/his family, and the professionals, to come to the Center so that the investigators may observe an interview of the child who has made an allegation of abuse. These interviews are conducted by a specially trained interviewer and take place in a developmentally appropriate setting at the Children's Advocacy Center.

The Children's Advocacy Center remains actively involved with each family until their case has reached a formal resolution, whether or not the alleged offender is criminally charged. In all situations, the child victim and her/his needs remain the focus of the Center's services.

For complete information on the CASI process,
click here to view/print the CASI brochure.