What is Sexually Transmitted Infection

The nature of a visit to a child advocacy center (CAC) following an allegation of child abuse has the potential to be challenging for children and their non-offending caregiver for a variety of reasons. Within a CAC, Certified Child Life Specialists are able to call upon their unique skill set to support children throughout the many elements of a forensic evaluation process. In an effort to reduce anxiety, enhance coping, and provide developmentally appropriate play and education opportunities for children in this setting, child life specialists serve as integral members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT). In their active role, child life specialists are able to collaborate with community MDT members to creatively and effectively support children throughout the forensic evaluation process. The need for child life involvement in CACs and during the investigative forensic evaluation process is highly valuable when reflecting on the benefit and overall experience for children and their families.