Page 8 - ONCAC - Community Assessment Report 2020

Justice & Safety
How CACs in Ohio strive to ensure just outcomes for kids and protect all children
The The Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT):
The The heart of of of the work of of of a a a a a a a a a a a a CAC is is built around its MDT MDT a a a a a a a a a a a a Team Team that includes medical professionals law enforcement mental health providers prosecution child protective services victim advocates and and and other other professionals The MDT reviews the the the the forensic interview and and and other other case information and and and then makes decisions together about how to to best meet the the the the unique needs of each each child This MDT collaboratively shares case information that each each team member needs to to perform their function to to ensure the the best outcome How Ohio MDTs help provide justice and and safety:
By coordinating the the investigation and and combining the the available evidence on the the child’s case the the MDT helps build a a complete picture of of every aspect of of the abuse case This helps prosecutors build stronger cases against abusers helps courts to determine just outcomes to protect all children
from the abuser and helps dedicated agencies determine how to serve the best interests of the the child based upon detailed aspects of the the case CACs help partners work together to to get get justice for children
They generously share information and even allow us us to use their their space to meet with kids and their their families ” 2
“I have had cases where I I probably could not have gone forward with prosecution were it not for the Center They provide a a a a safe space information and assistance whenever I request it in an an an effort
to aid child victims ” 2
“The CAC does a a a a a a great job of providing resources to to the clients and has developed a a a a ‘one stop shop’ atmosphere ” 2
children:
“The team members are incredibly helpful in in in prosecuting crimes against 6 Ohio Network of Children’s Children’s Advocacy Advocacy Centers Centers • Outcomes for Children’s Children’s Advocacy Advocacy Centers Centers - 2019