CAST’s mission is to reduce the trauma to the child during the investigation of abuse
CAST began in 1989 as a multi-disciplinary team program for conducting child sexual abuse investigations at a single site. At that time children who were alleged to have been sexually abused were subjected multiple interviews by numerous professionals at various different sites. The success of this one-stop approach was expanded to include all forms of child abuse in 1999.
CAST’s coordinated-on-site services have enabled social services, law enforcement, deputy district attorneys, medical providers, and therapists to collaborate on investigations. Thus, investigations are completed in a more timely, thorough and consistent manner. This benefits both the child and their family during the investigation of child abuse.
The child-focused, child friendly environment at CAST serves to further reduce the trauma for these children. CAST is a place where they can play comfortably and the non-offending parents receive immediate support from experienced staff and volunteers. Toys, games, stuffed animals, snacks, lunches, and crafts are provide for the comfort of the children as donations from the community. Over 1000 children in Orange County are seen each year at the Child Abuse Services Team.
Child Abuse Services Team, a member of the National Children’s Alliance, is a nationally recognized leader and role model in it’s child-friendly approach to conducting child abuse investigations.
Please visit their website HERE.
