PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Our highly trained Forensic Interviewer conducts legally sound and digitally recorded interviews of children, ages 3 - 16, who have made an allegation of abuse or who have been witness to a violent crime. Interviews are scheduled by either Law Enforcement or a Department of Children & Family Services Worker (DCFS) after a minimal disclosure has been obtained.

You and your child will be welcomed into the Jefferson CAC's family waiting room and introduced to the investigative team, comprised of representatives of Law Enforcement, DCFS, if applicable, and the Forensic Interviewer. A CAC staff member will help to assure that you and your child are comfortable and any general questions answered. Once the child is settled in the waiting room, you will be asked to join the investigative team in a separate conference room to provide any additional information pertinent to the case. During this time, the Forensic Interviewer will explain the interview process, answer questions and provide information about counseling. You will then return to the waiting room and reassure the child that the Jefferson CAC is a safe place. The child will then be brought into the conference room and welcomed by the investigative team. Rapport will be established, verbal and developmental skills assessed and the interview process explained. If the child agrees to do a recorded interview, ground rules will be explained and the Forensic Interviewer and child will proceed to the talking room. At no time will a child be forced or coerced to do an interview. Parents/Caretakers/Siblings will remain in the family waiting room and at no time be allowed to view the interview.

Please expect this to take approximately 1.5 hours.

The Jefferson CAC contracts with Family Service of Greater New Orleans, a well known, local, non-profit counseling agency, to provide a full-time, on-site Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Our Therapist operates from a private, child friendly office equipped with a multitude of therapeutic tools geared towards working with a variety of developmental stages.

Short-term, trauma focused therapy will be offered to all children who have completed a forensic interview, at no cost to the child's family. Counseling, as well as appropriate mental health service referrals will be provided to all children and families who come to the CAC.

This program is offered to all 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders in Jefferson Parish schools. Information about safe/unsafe, appropriate/inappropriate, secret and confusing touches is shared in a fun, yet informative way. To date, this program has been presented to over 21,000 Jefferson Parish children. If you are interested in having this program presented at your school, please contact Ashley Ditta at (504) 364-3857.