How to Schedule and Prepare for a CAC Appointment

What a CAC appointment is and how to set one up

A CAC appointment is a meeting at a Child Advocacy Center, a place where trained staff talk to children who may have experienced abuse or neglect. The center coordinates with law enforcement, child protective services, and medical professionals to investigate what happened and connect the child and family to support. You do not schedule a CAC appointment the way you book a doctor's visit — the appointment is usually arranged by a caseworker, police officer, or child protective services investigator who has already opened a case.

If you are a parent or guardian and a caseworker has told you a CAC appointment is needed, that caseworker will give you the date, time, and location. If you are calling on behalf of a child and are unsure whether a CAC appointment is the right step, start by contacting your local child protective services office or the police department's child abuse unit. They can explain what will happen and whether a CAC referral is appropriate for your situation.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network maintains a directory of Child Advocacy Centers by state and county. You can search that directory to find the center nearest you and see what services it offers, though you will still need to go through a caseworker or investigator to schedule the actual appointment.

Key Takeaways

• CAC appointments are arranged by caseworkers, police, or child protective services investigators — not by calling the center directly to book a time slot.
• The appointment takes place in a child-friendly setting designed to reduce trauma, and the child is interviewed by a trained forensic interviewer.
• A parent or guardian is usually present in the building but not in the interview room itself, and you will be told where to wait.
• You can find your local Child Advocacy Center through the National Child Traumatic Stress Network directory to learn what services are available before an appointment is scheduled.
• Bring any documents the caseworker or investigator asked you to bring, such as medical records, school records, or a list of the child's current medications.

What happens during a CAC appointment

When you arrive, staff will check you in and explain the process. The child will be taken to an interview room by a forensic interviewer — a specialist trained to talk to children about sensitive topics in a way that does not lead them or cause additional harm. The interview is usually recorded so that the child does not have to repeat the story multiple times to different people.

You as the parent or guardian will wait in a separate area. You may be able to watch the interview on a monitor or listen through audio, depending on the center's setup and what the investigator thinks is best for the child. After the interview, staff will meet with you to explain what happens next and answer questions about the investigation process.

The appointment typically lasts one to three hours, though this varies depending on the child's age and what information needs to be gathered. The center may also arrange for a medical exam or mental health screening on the same day or schedule those for a separate visit.

Documents and information to bring

The caseworker or investigator who scheduled the appointment will tell you what to bring. Common items include a photo ID for yourself, the child's birth certificate or proof of age, any medical records related to the concern, school records, and a list of current medications or allergies.

If the child has already seen a doctor or counselor about the situation, bring those records or a signed release form so the CAC can request them. Write down any questions you have before you arrive, and note any behaviors or changes you have noticed in the child that might be relevant — the interviewer may ask about these.

If the child has a disability, speech delay, or does not speak English fluently, tell the caseworker before the appointment. The center can arrange for an interpreter or adapt the interview process to make sure the child can communicate clearly.

What to tell the child before the appointment

Keep your explanation straightforward and honest. You might say something like: "We are going to visit a place where people help kids. A person there wants to talk to you about what happened. I will be nearby, and you can ask for me if you need me." Avoid leading questions like "Did he hurt you?" or "Do you remember what happened?" — let the child tell their own story.

Let the child know it is okay to say "I don't know" or "I don't remember," and that they are not in trouble. Reassure them that you believe them and that you are there to help keep them safe. If the child is very anxious, ask the caseworker whether a comfort item like a stuffed animal or blanket is allowed in the waiting area.

Do not coach the child or ask them repeatedly about what happened before the appointment. The forensic interviewer needs to hear the child's own words and memory, not a version shaped by adult questions.

After the CAC appointment

The investigator or caseworker will follow up with you about next steps. This might include a police investigation, a child protective services safety plan, a referral to counseling, or a medical follow-up. The CAC itself does not make decisions about whether abuse happened or what should be done — it gathers information that law enforcement and child protective services use to make those decisions.

Ask the caseworker for a timeline of what to expect and who will contact you with updates. If you have concerns about the child's emotional state after the appointment, ask for a referral to a therapist or counselor who specializes in trauma. Many CACs have mental health staff on site or can recommend providers in your area.

Keep copies of any paperwork you receive, and write down the names and contact information of everyone involved in the case. This helps you stay organized if you need to follow up or if the case moves between agencies.

Finding your local Child Advocacy Center

The National Child Advocacy Center in Huntsville, Alabama, runs a network of over 900 centers across the United States. You can search their directory at nationalcac.org to find the center in your county and see what services it offers — some centers provide medical exams, mental health counseling, and parent support groups in addition to forensic interviews.

If you cannot find your center in the directory or have questions about whether a CAC is the right resource, contact your local child protective services office or police department. They can tell you which center serves your area and how to make a referral.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be in the room during my child's interview?

Usually not. The forensic interviewer needs to talk to the child alone so the child feels safe speaking freely and so the interview is not influenced by a parent's reactions. However, you may be able to observe from another room via monitor or audio, depending on the center's policy and the investigator's judgment about what is best for the child.

What if my child refuses to talk or gets upset during the appointment?

Forensic interviewers are trained to work at the child's pace and to stop if the child becomes too distressed. The interview can be paused or continued another day if needed. Tell the interviewer beforehand if your child has anxiety or has had a difficult experience with interviews before.

Will the police be at the CAC appointment?

Not always. Some appointments are investigative interviews where police or child protective services staff are present behind the scenes or observing. Other appointments are for medical exams or counseling referrals only. The caseworker will tell you who will be at your appointment and why.

How long does the investigation take after the CAC appointment?

This varies widely depending on the type of case and the agencies involved. A police investigation might take weeks or months. Child protective services investigations typically have a timeline set by state law, often 30 to 60 days. Ask the caseworker for a realistic estimate and when you can expect to hear updates.

Is there a cost for a CAC appointment?

No. Child Advocacy Centers are funded by government agencies, grants, and donations. There is no fee for the appointment, interview, or basic services like a forensic interview or medical exam coordination.