Improving the Investigation and Prosecution of Child Abuse and the Regional and Local Children's Advocacy Centers

Goal: Improve justice system and community responses to child abuse. Improve the quality of criminal investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases; improve communities� ability to develop, maintain, and enhance a comprehensive, multidisciplinary response to the investigation and prosecution of child abuse and neglect; and assist CACs and/or multidisciplinary teams to more effectively meet the needs of child victims. Develop and provide high-quality assistance to protect children Develop and provide training and other resources to local and state prosecutors involved in child abuse cases to improve the quality of criminal prosecution of such cases; Assist communities in developing child-focused, community-oriented, facility-based programs to improve the resources available to child victims and families; Provide high-quality specialized training and technical assistance to CACs, child abuse multidisciplinary teams, and state chapters and strengthen capacity of state chapter organizations to deliver training and technical assistance to local CACs on their own; Enhance coordination among community agencies and professionals involved in the intervention, prevention, prosecution, and investigation systems that respond to child abuse cases; Train physicians and other health and behavioral health professionals in the multidisciplinary approach to child abuse and neglect.