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CAC Appointment

Tina0517
Tina0517

Reports were made in January and not hearing back from the investigator as discussed for an appointment. Now out of blue they scheduled for next week.


Our daughter is 6 yrs old and very very nervous! We talked about the interview, that a nice lady will ask her questions etc. but since she doesn't know and trust her, she has a hard time.


I am wondering, how I can prepare her or the day of appointment the best way, what I can do to have her as 'relaxed' and less fearful as possible for that appointment. Any recommendations, suggestions and thoughts are very welcomed! Thanks so much in advance!

Naive1.2
Naive1.2
I have not been through the legal process beyond reporting. Here's what I could find so far about what you can expect at this meeting:

https://www.mosac.net/page/28

Others here have experience, and will probably have better info, but I wanted to be sure you got something before the start of the week.
Naive1.2
Naive1.2
This also has a lot of great info about the process....

https://www.nsvrc.org/sites/default/files/publications_nsvrc_guides_the-advocates-guide-working-with-parents-of-children-who-have-been-sexually-assaulted.pdf
brknhrt
brknhrt
I have heard of people bringing therapy dogs to court appearances. Do you have any pets that might provide her comfort, or even a stuffed animal? You could ask them if she could have a pet with her.

My daughter did an interview but she was 16 years old so quite a different age.
Tina0517
Tina0517
Thanks so much!!
Tina0517
Tina0517
No we don’t have a pet, but yes will bring some little things, that she feels we are very close to her when being interviewed. Since she has a hard time with that us waiting for her in the waiting room..
brknhrt
brknhrt
One thing I wish I'd done for myself when my daughter interviewed was to bring a notebook to write down what they told me. I don't know how it will go for you, but they summarized her interview for us afterward. I had no idea I'd not have access to the transcript or tape or anything ever again. Probably you won't either unless it is played in a court trial. It was such a stressful day--I was so focused on her and getting her home afterward, and the stuff they told me was so stressful, that my memory really didn't work well. So because of both those factors, I sure wish I had taken notes.
Independent2014
Independent2014
Brknhrt, if you really wanted a transcript of the events your daughter reported you could ask your son’s therapist to get it. I’m pretty sure the police would give it to the therapist treating your son. Then your son would have to release it to you.
Bandmom5
Bandmom5
I haven't been through the process either, but I know from others that the interview should be video or at least audio recorded so she doesn't have to go through it again by someone else for some reason down the road...
brknhrt
brknhrt
Yes it is recorded but it is considered evidence so is carefully guarded by LE. If a criminal case is possible or pending they won't let anyone else view it, least of all a parent who could in any way possibly be called as a witness. My daughter's therapist could view it but not share it with us. I remember asking about this on the board at some point and pretty much the only time anyone had seen a playback of the interview was if it was used in court. Maybe you will never want to see it but still the main point is that you will probably get not only a summary but other important information after the interview, and if you write it down as they're telling you, you are much more likely to have that info later when you need it.
Tina0517
Tina0517
Thanks so much. Yes will definitely takes some notes afterwards.
Independent2014
Independent2014
My lawyer got the information in discovery and I then gave it my therapist. If you or your loved one is being charged, the state cannot not give it to the defense.