Programs
The Children's Advocacy Center of Norfolk County is a collaboration of public and private agencies, that provide services to children and families who have experience physical, sexual, and domestic abuse. The Center, administered by the office of Norfolk County District Attorney William R. Keating, develops resources and coordinates direct care to these children and families through a multi-disciplinary approach. The Children's Advocacy Center responds to the needs of children by providing child friendly and culturally sensitive services. The CAC also responds to the needs of the community by facilitating education, training, outreach, networking and advocacy programs.

SEXUAL ABUSE INVESTIGATION NETWORK (SAIN)
The Norfolk County SAIN (Sexual Abuse Investigation Network) Program is a coordinated effort to address the growing problems faced by sexually abused children and the numerous agencies called upon to respond to the needs of victimized children and their families. SAIN is a multidisciplinary response to the investigation of child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse. The project coordinates county-wide, inter-agency cooperation between all 27 police departments, the State Police, six Department of Social Services (DSS) area offices and the District Attorney's Office (DA's Office).
A multidisciplinary team is a coordinated response by the agencies that are mandated to investigate child abuse. Part of this response is a joint interview of the child. By holding joint interviews, these teams reduce potential trauma that may result during an investigation of the allegations. The team includes staff of the DA's Office, the DSS Investigator, and local and/or State Police. The goal of this multidisciplinary approach is to minimize potential trauma by limiting the number of interviews that must be conducted and to ensure that a trained and experienced investigator, sensitive to the needs of child victims, conducts the interview.

During investigation period, joint interviews are scheduled and conducted, using a two-way mirror and listening devices. The interview will be conducted in a fashion appropriate for forensic use. Each team member gathers the information necessary to satisfy the mandate of his or her respective agencies. Through the enhanced cooperation between law enforcement and child protective services in the Norfolk District, the needs of the various disciplines will be satisfied and the child victim and his or her family's needs will be better served.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Guidelines for Mental Health Services are being created to provide referrals to follow up services for victims and their families; to provide information and support to families through the investigation and assessment process; and to develop safety plans with families.
The intention is to develop links with community providers specifically in evaluation and treatment of children and families who have experienced abuse or violence in the home.

Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Services
Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Services at the CAC are offered when there is a concern or report of sexual abuse. This exam is important for several reasons: (1) to ensure the health and well being of the child; (2) to reassure the child that everything is OK with their body; (3) to diagnose and treat medical conditions that may be related to sexual abuse, such as a sexually transmitted disease; (4) to document any possible physical and forensic findings; and (5) to allow for collection of evidence that may be present on the     child’s body or clothing within 72 hours. This medical exam is not painful or invasive, and the process provides an opportunity for the child and family to be linked to other important services and resources. Currently these specialized medical examinations are provided at either Children’s Hospital Boston or the Children’s Advocacy Center of Plymouth County in Brockton; when the CAC opens its stand-alone facility in Foxboro in 2008 these services will be offered onsite.

TRAINING/EDUCATION
The training/education subcommittee is working on a variety of ways to provide training and outreach about the CAC. This includes the creation of a brochure, the website and other speaking engagements.