A program of SASSMM since 2017
Here is a child-friendly explanation of the CAC process.
Before the CAC
When abuse is reported to DHHS or law enforcement, they will make a referral to the Midcoast CAC. Law enforcement or DHHS will contact you to let you know about the concerns and that they've made a CAC referral.
A Family Advocate from the Midcoast CAC will call you to provide emotional support and schedule the interview. The Family Advocate is there to listen to you, help you process what's happened, and answer any questions you have.
The Midcoast CAC tries to schedule interviews within three (3) days. All Midcoast CAC interviews take place at neutral locations throughout the Midcoast. We have locations in Searsport, Rockland, and Wiscasset.
Day of the CAC
Your Family Advocate will meet you at the door when you arrive at the Midcoast Children's Advocacy Center. They will give you and your child a tour of the building and bring you to our Family Room.
You will be able to meet with the multi-disciplinary team ("MDT," see our About Us page for more information) before the Forensic Interview. This is when you can share information important to you and your child.
The interview will start after you've met with the MDT. The Forensic Interviewer will bring your child to the interview room. The MDT will watch the interview from the MDT room. You will stay in the Family Room with your Family Advocate. The Family Advocate will check in with you about your concerns and any referrals or resources you might want. The Family Advocate is there to support you through whatever you're feeling. It is normal to be upset, angry, or overwhelmed.
Once the interview is over, the Forensic Interviewer will bring your child back to the Family Room. The Forensic Interviewer will ask you to meet with the MDT again to go over next steps. You'll check in with your Family Advocate one last time after that. Then the CAC is over!
Here are photos of our CAC locations:
Before the CAC
When abuse is reported to DHHS or law enforcement, they will make a referral to the Midcoast CAC. Law enforcement or DHHS will contact you to let you know about the concerns and that they've made a CAC referral.
A Family Advocate from the Midcoast CAC will call you to provide emotional support and schedule the interview. The Family Advocate is there to listen to you, help you process what's happened, and answer any questions you have.
The Midcoast CAC tries to schedule interviews within three (3) days. All Midcoast CAC interviews take place at neutral locations throughout the Midcoast. We have locations in Searsport, Rockland, and Wiscasset.
Day of the CAC
Your Family Advocate will meet you at the door when you arrive at the Midcoast Children's Advocacy Center. They will give you and your child a tour of the building and bring you to our Family Room.
You will be able to meet with the multi-disciplinary team ("MDT," see our About Us page for more information) before the Forensic Interview. This is when you can share information important to you and your child.
The interview will start after you've met with the MDT. The Forensic Interviewer will bring your child to the interview room. The MDT will watch the interview from the MDT room. You will stay in the Family Room with your Family Advocate. The Family Advocate will check in with you about your concerns and any referrals or resources you might want. The Family Advocate is there to support you through whatever you're feeling. It is normal to be upset, angry, or overwhelmed.
Once the interview is over, the Forensic Interviewer will bring your child back to the Family Room. The Forensic Interviewer will ask you to meet with the MDT again to go over next steps. You'll check in with your Family Advocate one last time after that. Then the CAC is over!
Here are photos of our CAC locations:
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After the CAC
Every investigation is different. The MDT will assist with safety planning while the investigation progresses.
Your Family Advocate will call one week and one month after the Forensic Interview to see how you and your child are doing, answer any questions, and/or help with referrals. Your Family Advocate is a good person to call if you have any questions, concerns, or if you are unsure who to contact about your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About the CAC Process
Every investigation is different. The MDT will assist with safety planning while the investigation progresses.
Your Family Advocate will call one week and one month after the Forensic Interview to see how you and your child are doing, answer any questions, and/or help with referrals. Your Family Advocate is a good person to call if you have any questions, concerns, or if you are unsure who to contact about your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About the CAC Process
What should I tell my child about coming to the CAC?
Children are most comfortable when someone tells them what to expect. It's good to give them an idea of what will happen, but do not discuss the CAC in-depth. For example: if your child has not disclosed, you might tell them that it's an appointment to check up on their safety. Alternatively, if they did disclose, you can say the appointment is about what they disclosed. Avoid comparing the CAC to a counseling or doctor's appointment.
Ask your child to tell the truth at the CAC and make sure they know they have done nothing wrong. Do not ask the child direct questions about what happened.
Ask your child to tell the truth at the CAC and make sure they know they have done nothing wrong. Do not ask the child direct questions about what happened.
Can I sit with my child during the interview?
Caregivers do not sit with their child during the interview. This is to give space for children to share their story. Children have a difficult time sharing details of abuse when caregivers are present. This is because kids are perceptive and want to protect their parents! They can tell when you're upset, angry, or hurt because of what happened. Children will minimize their abuse or speed through an interview if a parent is there. Please know that the interview only goes as long as the child is comfortable. The child is always allowed to ask for a break or stop the interview entirely.
Can I sit with the team during the interview?
Caregivers do not watch the interview with the team. For the same reason that we don't have caregivers in the interview room, we don't have them watch the interview with the team. This is to give space for the child to tell their story. Also, anyone who observes a forensic interview can be subpoenaed for court! We want you to be able to focus on supporting your child.
You will meet with the team after the interview to learn about next steps and ask questions.
You will meet with the team after the interview to learn about next steps and ask questions.
Will this be the only time that my child will have to talk about what happened?
One goal of the CAC is to decrease the number of times that a child has to be interviewed by professionals about the abuse. The interview will be video recorded to avoid multiple interviews. However, the interviewer usually invites your child to come back if they want to talk about anything else.
Can I bring family?
It is a small space, but bring anyone that would make your child feel more comfortable. It's helpful to let your Family Advocate know if you are planning to bring someone with you.
How long does the interview take?
Interviews generally last 45 minutes, but this is a rough estimate. Younger children and children who haven't disclosed tend to talk less. Older children and children who have disclosed tend to talk longer.
The family should plan to spend 90 minutes to 2 hours at the CAC, since there will be the pre and post-meetings with the MDT.
The family should plan to spend 90 minutes to 2 hours at the CAC, since there will be the pre and post-meetings with the MDT.
Frequently Asked Questions During and After a CAC
Why didn't my child tell me sooner?
Children usually wait at least two years before disclosing and tell a peer first. It is not a reflection on you as a parent if your child waited or told someone else first. Children know they might hurt their parents if they disclose. Waiting or telling someone else is them trying to avoid hurting you. Don't blame yourself or your child for these things.
Younger children may not know how to disclose. They may not have the words or the ability to disclose even if they know what's happening is wrong. Older children might care about the offender, be afraid of the offender, or be ashamed.
Children rarely lie about sexual abuse. Children are telling the truth 92-98% of the time even if they later "recant," or take back their disclosure. Your response to the disclosure of abuse is critical to the child’s ability to heal and move on.
Younger children may not know how to disclose. They may not have the words or the ability to disclose even if they know what's happening is wrong. Older children might care about the offender, be afraid of the offender, or be ashamed.
Children rarely lie about sexual abuse. Children are telling the truth 92-98% of the time even if they later "recant," or take back their disclosure. Your response to the disclosure of abuse is critical to the child’s ability to heal and move on.
What if my child discloses something else?
Sometimes a child may remember more about what happened to them after a Forensic Interview and tell you about it. Contact Law Enforcement and/or DHHS right away if this happens.
Who should know about what happened?
Parents should decide who to tell depending on what will help their child most. For example, other people who take care of the child should be told. It may also be helpful to tell a child's teacher so that the child has support at school. Parents do not have to be detailed about what happened. It may be enough to tell others that the child is going through a difficult time.
Consider how older children may feel about others knowing. Talk with them about this and make decisions with their feelings in mind.
Consider how older children may feel about others knowing. Talk with them about this and make decisions with their feelings in mind.
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
Some children who come to the CAC "bounce back" from their trauma and don't need therapy. Others do. Your Family Advocate can do a screener to help figure out if your child may benefit from therapy. The type and length of treatment is based on each child's individual needs.
All children benefit from love, nurturing, and support. You can have a great impact on your child.
All children benefit from love, nurturing, and support. You can have a great impact on your child.
Should I treat my child differently now?
A child who has been sexually abused may need more love and support than usual. Otherwise, continuing to follow regular household routines is usually best. Children often find comfort in the predictability of routines.
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