Services Offered

Forensic Interviews: The CAC conducts forensic interviews of children who are suspected to have been victims of sexual and/or severe physical abuse. A forensic interview is a neutral, objective, fact-finding interview conducted by staff that must be specifically trained in interviewing. The interview must be non-leading and defensible in a court of law. The purpose of conducting forensic interviews is to find out whether something has happened to the child, and if so, obtain as many details as possible. Forensic interviews also reduce the number of times and the number of people that child must talk to about the abuse.

Multidisciplinary Case Staffings: The CAC facilitates monthly case staffings between all partner agencies including Child Protective Services, local law enforcement, the county/district attorney's office, mental health professionals and medical professionals. The case staffings provide an opportunity for professionals to consult with others on their cases before making
critical decisions.

On-Site Sexual Assault Exams: The CAC provides the space and equipment for trained SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) nurses to conduct chronic sexual assault exams of children. The children can return to a familiar and friendly place when a sexual assault exam is required for the investigation. The CAC has 6 registered nurses that have been trained through the Office of the Attorney General to perform SANE exams of both children and adults.

Referrals for Mental Health and Medical Services: The CAC makes referrals to outside agencies to provide mental health services to child victims once they have been interviewed at the CAC. The CAC also coordinates referrals to our local hospital for sexual assault exams and evidence collection in cases where the incident has occurred within the last 96 hours.

Assistance with Crime Victims Compensation: The CAC assists clients with applying for Crime Victims Compensation. CVC is a state program administered through the Office of the Attorney General to help pay for non-property expenses incurred as the result of a crime.

Rainbow Room: The CAC houses and maintains the Rainbow Room that serves children and families in Lamar and Red River Counties. The Rainbow Room is an emergency resource room that provides clothing, diapers, baby formula, shoes, personal hygiene items as well as many other things to children in need. The Rainbow Room also provides school supplies for as many as 60 children in the Lamar and Red River County area each school year.

Community Education and Awareness: The CAC provides community education and awareness on child abuse issues and the services the CAC provides to the community. The CAC will provide information to community agencies and groups and no cost. If you are interested in this service, please contact the CAC for more information.