The Investigative Process
The process begins when abuse is reported to law enforcement or child abuse hotline.
Initial investigation by Child Protective Services (CPS) or law enforcement investigator.
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| In-Home Perpetrator |
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Out-Of-Home Perpetrator |
| CPS investigator (civil jurisdiction) and law enforcement investigator (criminal jurisdiction) assigned. Sent to: |
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Law enforcement investigator (criminal jurisdiction) assigned. Sent to: |
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| Advocacy Center Client Intake |
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Crisis stabilization to victim, caretaker, and other non-offending family members |
| Advocacy Center Client Intake |
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Explanation of criminal and civil procedures of investigation and prosecution. |
| Advocacy Center Client Intake |
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Information on victim's rights and assistance with filing victim's compensation forms. |
| Advocacy Center Client Intake |
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Information and referral to other community agencies and services. |
Interview of victims performed by a specially trained professional and observed by Multidisciplinary Team. |
Child Protection Team Case Review: Collaboration on investigation and recommendations for any necessary medical evaluations and mental health services. |
| Further Criminal Action |
Further Civil Action |
Additional Client Services |
If case is sufficient, it is filed with the Prosecutor or District Attorney's Office.
Prosecutor presents the case to the Grand Jury.
The Grand Jury decides to either no bill (to dismiss the case due to lack of evidence) or to indict (to pursue prosecution of the case).
Juvenile offenders are handled through a different process with the Juvenile Probation Department and County Attorney's Office. |
If the child is at risk for further abuse, CPS may offer services to monitor the child's safety.
If no family member is able to protect the child, the courts may allow CPS to remove the child from the home. |
On a case-by-case basis, the Advocacy Center can provide extended assessment, ongoing counseling, court accompaniment, trial preparation, and/or referrals for additional services. |
If indicted, defendant either plea bargains, or a trial is set. (This will occur later.) |
If case goes to trial, child may have to testify. |
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