Steps for using the CAC

Per the Texas Family Code:

  • The department shall refer a case to a center and the center shall initiate a response by a center’s multidisciplinary team appointed under Section 264.406 when conducting an investigation of:

  • a report of abuse that is made by a professional as defined by Section 261.101 and that alleges sexual abuse of a child;

  • or is a type of case handled by the center in accordance with the working protocol adopted for the center under Section 264.411(a)(9);

  • or a child fatality in which there are surviving children in the deceased child’s household or under the supervision of the caregiver involved in the child fatality.

  • Any interview of a child conducted as part of the investigation under Subsection (a) must be a forensic interview conducted in accordance with the center’s working protocol unless a forensic interview is not appropriate based on the child’s age and development or the center’s working protocol.

Upon receiving an initial intake, review information to see if the case falls within the CAC criteria. This includes cases in which the children and impaired adults who meet the following guidelines:

• Sexual abuse

• Physical abuse

• Neglect

• Child witness

• Child at risk

• Children engaging or involved in problematic sexual behaviors

• Drug endangered child

• Other situations on a case-by-case basis


Once you have determined that the case meets the CAC criteria, please complete the following steps:

• Call the CAC to set up an appointment or fill out the online Forensic Interview Intake sheet. The online form can be found at https://pdf.ac/27f8FP . Please see the intake form for the information needed when calling to schedule a FI. This helps the interviewer prepare for your case. Note any disabilities/concerns that can become a barrier to a disclosure.

• Inform the family of appointment time and when the family is making arrangements to bring the child/children in for the interview(s). Keep in mind that alleged perpetrators are not allowed at the CAC.

• Notify other agencies that need to be involved in the upcoming case/interview. Keep in mind that Law Enforcement is concerned with the location of the alleged offense and CPI is concerned with where the child is residing. An investigator HAS to be present for a FI to be done.


Tips for what to tell the family when setting up the forensic interview:

• The CAC provides a neutral, child friendly environment for children to be interviewed. The interviewer is specially trained to understand children’s language and developmental level while gathering information in a non-leading or suggestive manner.

• DO NOT ask your child questions or discuss the incident before the interview. The goal is to minimize the trauma a child endures when dealing with abuse or being a witness to a crime. Tell your child they are safe to talk to the interviewer and to be honest.

• Do not make promises to or bribe your child to tell the truth or withhold information about the events that brought them to the center.


Once you are at the CAC:

• Keep in mind the alleged perpetrator cannot come to the CAC with the child. If the AP/suspect does show up, they will be requested to leave by either Law Enforcement or CPI. Law enforcement is relied upon in these situations, as their presence often encourages the AP/suspect to leave.

• Children shouldn’t be offered gifts (snacks, juice, staffed animals, etc.) in exchange for information.

• The Investigators will meet with the Forensic Interviewer prior to the interview to discuss specific concerns or areas to be covered during the interview. This meeting will take place away from the family.

• If a non-offending caregiver is available, the interviewer and investigative agencies present, will meet with them before the interview to explain the FI process, confirm information, and answer their questions.

• During the FI, the investigators will be responsible for communicating to the interviewer any questions that have not been asked or information needing clarification. They are also responsible for taking their own interview notes.

• CAC recorded interviews are property of the Hunt County District Attorney and you will be required to sign for digital and physical copies.

• After the FI, the investigators will discuss what actions shall be taken by each agency and decide if the child needs to be referred for counseling or a sexual assault exam. CAC staff will make the referrals as recommended by the investigators.

• The investigators, along with the appropriate CAC staff will meet with the family after the FI to advise them of what they can expect during their investigation. It is advantageous to discuss how much information will be shared with the family PRIOR to meeting with the family.

• If a Law Enforcement report or CPI report has not been filed- it is the responsibility of the agencies present to do so after the FI is complete.

The Center, Forensic Interviews, All, MDTMegan RoyallComment