Navigating the CAC for Teens

This information was developed by teens who have been through the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) process themselves. They know what it’s like to walk through those doors and face the unknown. Their goal is to share helpful information, honest insight, and real support for teens who come visit a CAC. Whether you’re here to learn what to expect or to find resources for the next steps, you’re not alone—and this information was created with you in mind.

The following list includes terms that may come up during your visit to the CAC and throughout the investigation. Remember, if you have questions about anything, it is always okay to ask!

Multidisciplinary Team (MDT): a team of professionals including CAC staff, medical, law enforcement, behavioral health, prosecution, child protective services, victim advocacy, and others who work together to investigate child abuse cases
Forensic Interviewer (Fl): a professional at the CAC who talks to children and teens who have experienced or witnessed abuse or violence
Family Support Specialist (FSS): a professional at the CAC who coordinates services, including medical and mental health referrals and follow-up with victims and their non-offending caregivers to make sure they are supported
Behavioral Health Clinician: a professional who provides therapeutic services for victims and their families/non-offending caregivers
Crisis Center Advocate: a professional who provides free and confidential services including support, referrals, and assistance navigating systems
Child Protective Service Worker (CPSW): a professional who investigates potential cases of child abuse and neglect to ensure children’s safety and well-being and support families in need of assistance
Detective: a police officer whose primary duty is to investigate crimes
(including crimes against children and teens)
Prosecutor: a lawyer who files criminal charges against a person, and then presents evidence in court to support the case and seek justice for victims
Victim/Witness Advocate (VWA): a professional who works with the prosecutor to assist victims by providing emotional support, explaining legal procedures, providing updates on the case, and connecting victims and witnesses with resources

Places You May Visit

Child Advocacy Center (CAC): a safe place a child or teen may go to talk with an interviewer
Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF): an agency that works to keep children and teens
safe and provide support to families
Crisis Center: a facility that offers free, confidential help for abuse survivors
County Attorney’s Office (CAO): office that represents the county in court and prosecutes criminal cases (including
cases involving abuse)

Other Terms You May Hear

Disclosure: sharing personal or private information, especially about something important or serious
Investigation: the process of determining if a crime has been committed, as well as facts of the crime itself
Founded: a term DCYF uses to express that it enough evidence exists to believe an incident of abuse or neglect occurred
Unfounded: a term DCYF uses to express that there is not enough evidence to determine that abuse or neglect has occurred
Protective Order: a court order, sometimes referred to as a restraining order, designed to protect someone from harm
or harassment by mandating that the abuser stop specific behaviors (often limiting or prohibiting contact with
the victim)

You’ve already taken an important first step by completing a forensic interview with one of our trained professionals. That’s a significant part of the process—and it’s just the beginning.

Healing looks different for everyone, and no one should have to navigate it alone.

This information is here to connect you with additional resources that may be helpful as you move forward. You may already have been referred to behavioral health services, but there are many types of support available, and having options can make a meaningful difference.

Tips for Talking to a Therapist

Therapy can be really helpful and it’s totally normal to feel nervous-especially if you’ve never talked to a therapist before.

Here are some quick tips to help you get the most out of the experience:
Set goals. Know what you want to get out of therapy and work on it together with your therapist. If you don’t know what you want or if your goals change, tell your therapist.
Be real about what you’re going through. Even if it’s awkward or hard to talk about, it can help to open up and be specific about what’s affecting you.
Your therapist isn’t here to judge you. They are here to support you and help you process what you are going through.
Ask questions. Therapy isn’t supposed to confuse you or cause you stress. It’s okay if you don’t understand something-just ask.
Speak up. Your therapist wants to know how to make therapy work best for you. It’s okay to let them know what feels helpful and what doesn’t.
Try again. Sometimes, you may not connect with your therapist even after speaking up. If this happens, it does not mean therapy will never work. Try to be open to meeting with a different therapist.