Since 1995, the United States Attorney's Office
has worked with other agencies and organizations
on the investigation, prosecution and prevention
of child abuse as a member of the Safe Shores
Child Advocacy Center's Multi-Disciplinary Team.
Other members of this successful, long-term
partnership include: the Metropolitan Police
Department, the Office of the
Attorney General for the District of Columbia,
the District of Columbia Child and Family Services
Agency, and the Freddie Mac Foundation Child
and Adolescent Protection Center at Children's
Hospital.
In conjunction with this partnership, the
U.S. Attorney's office focuses on the needs
of the child victims, law enforcement priorities
and prosecution of those responsible for the
abuse. In addition, we assist family members
who support the best interest of the child,
in a child-friendly place where children can
be interviewed, assessed, treated and prepared
for court.
At the United States Attorney's Office,
Victim Witness Specialists are available to
assist victims and their families throughout
the entire criminal process and provide information
and referrals to resources that may help children
and their caretakers deal with specific matters
and issues that have resulted from their case.
In addition to the Victim Witness Specialists,
the U.S. Attorney's Office Victim Witness
Assistance Unit includes a child interview
specialist who conducts forensic interviews
of child victims, child witnesses and adults
with special needs. The Unit also coordinates
a monthly Kids Court program which prepares
child victims and witnesses for participation
in court proceedings.
A licensed child waiting room is available
daily from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on business
days to provide day care for child victims,
witnesses and children accompanying caretakers
that are required to be in the U.S. Attorney's
Office.
If you suspect that a child has been abused
or neglected please contact (202) 671-SAFE. |
