Resources

The websites listed below provide valuable information regarding child sexual abuse and neglect.

National Children’s Alliance– We provide support, advocacy, quality assurance, and national leadership for CACs, all to help support the important work that CACs do in communities across the country.
National Children’s Advocacy Center –The NCAC models, promotes, and delivers excellence in child abuse response and prevention through service, education, and leadership.
Department of Children & Family Services– DCFS is working to keep children safe, helping individuals and families become self-sufficient, and providing safe refuge during disasters.
CASA- Court Appointed Special Advocates– Advocate for timely placement of children in permanent, safe and stable homes.
The Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response Center– Provides support to survivors of sexual trauma, improve systems response, and create social change to end sexual violence.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network– To raise the standard of care and improve access to services for traumatized children, their families and communities throughout the United States.
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children– works with families, victims, private industry, law enforcement, and the public to assist with preventing child abductions, recovering missing children, and providing services to deter and combat child sexual exploitation.
Child Molestation Research and Prevention Institute - Conducts research to prevent child sexual abuse and provides information to prevention organizations, agencies, professionals, and families to use to prevent abuse.
Child Welfare Information Gateway-Provides publications, research, and learning tools selected by experts to support thriving children, youth, families, and communities.
Children’s Law Advocacy Resources Online (CLAIRO)- Provides an effective means of communication between and among organizations trying to improve child protection processes within Louisiana.
East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office-Educate individuals and agencies regarding the needs and rights of victims as they establish and maintain effective working relationships with judges and attorneys.
Laws in Louisiana pertaining to abuse and neglect - catalog of laws pertaining to abuse and neglect to better education those seeking justice.
LawHelp.org/LA -provides legal education materials and tools that give you basic information on a number of legal problems, and in some cases, detailed instructions and forms to help you represent yourself in court.

IF YOU THINK A CHILD IS BEING ABUSED

Reports of suspected child abuse or neglect should be made to Department of Children and Family Services, contact 1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437) toll-free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Reports can also be made to your local police department/sheriff’s office in your parish.

How to Report Child Abuse

The DCFS hotline is answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Understanding Child Abuse

What Is Abuse?

Child Abuse and Neglect (as defined by law)

Under Louisiana law (La. R.S. 14:403 and Children’s Code Article 609(A)), a mandatory reporter who knowingly and willfully fails to report the abuse or neglect of a child can be fined up to $500, jailed for up to six months, or both. If the case involves sexual abuse, or abuse or neglect that causes serious bodily injury, neurological impairment, or death, the penalty rises to a fine of up to $3,000, up to three years in prison, or both. The law also protects mandatory reporters from being sued by parents for making a report in good faith.

Abuse

“Abuse” means any one of the following acts, which seriously endanger the physical, mental, or emotional health of a child.

The infliction, attempted infliction, or, as a result of inadequate supervision, the allowance of the infliction or attempted infliction of physical or mental injury upon the child by a parent or any other person.
The exploitation or overwork of a child by a parent or any other person.
The involvement of the child in any sexual act with a parent or any other person, or the aiding or toleration by the parent or caretaker of the child’s sexual involvement with any other person or of the child’s involvement in pornographic displays, or the involvement of a child in sexual activity constituting a crime under the laws of the state.

Neglect

“Neglect” means the refusal or willful failure of a parent or caretaker to supply the child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, care and/or treatment.

What Happens During an Investigation?

Following are the basic steps to an investigation of child sexual abuse.

Someone reports suspicion of abuse to authorities, either law enforcement or the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
Interviews with the child are conducted, usually at The Yellow House (the CAC building), by the CAC Forensic Interviewer.
Medical exams are recommended and conducted if necessary.
ADVOCATE: A Victim/Family Advocate is then assigned to the case.
INTERVENTION: The child is referred for further evaluation and intervention at the CAC if necessary.
Law Enforcement and/or DCFS will continue the investigation, which will include an interview with the alleged offender, if possible.
A team of professionals (MDT) will meet to review and plan the case.
The case may be referred to Criminal or District Court, or some other plan may be made for managing the case.

Things to Remember If You Are Abused

There are some important things to remember if you are abused.

It’s Your Body

No one has the right to touch you. You can say No.

Abuse Is Never Your Fault

Even if you don’t say no, it is NEVER your fault.

Abuse Always Hurts

It can hurt your feelings or your body.

Keep Telling Until Someone Listens

Even if the first person you tell doesn’t help you, someone will. Telling the right person is how to stop abuse.

What Happens Next Is Not Your Fault

When you tell someone about the child abuse, things may be difficult for a while, but the abuse will end and you and the abuser can both get help.

What if someone I know is being abused?

If a friend is being abused, you can help him or her decide which adult to tell. If you think a friend is being abused, but you’re not sure, talk with your parent or teacher. If a week goes by and no one does anything to help, tell another adult. Keep telling until your friend gets help. If you can’t get an adult to help, there are telephone hotlines you can call for help, any time of any day, that are free.

Believe your friend.
Offer support.
Try not to appear shocked.
Encourage them to tell an adult they trust.
Don’t keep it to yourself – tell a trusted adult.
Help your friend to keep on telling until they are safe.

How can we prevent this?

Don’t ever put children in a position for this to happen. Many instances occur in isolated events. Try choosing group settings with adults and children.

One-on-one contact with a trusted adult is healthy for a child, so drop in on your child and a trusted adult so they both know you are advocating for their safety.

Ask questions if you are a parent or an adult. Give your child many opportunities to tell you!

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For other ways to help

Find out more ways to help the CAC through donations, wishlist items and more.