SAIN Coordinator: Coordinators contact the victim’s family to explain the forensic interview process and schedule team interviews of children who have disclosed abuse. Coordinators are also trained child interview specialists.
Child Interview Specialist: Interviewers conduct forensic interviews of children who may have been abused or witnessed serious crimes after it is determined to be appropriate given the child’s developmental level, mental health and current stressors in the child’s life. Interviewers speak to children, teenagers and adult survivors of child abuse about the abuse while the rest of the team observes from behind a one-way mirror. Their specialized training ensures that reliable information is elicited from the child in a legally, clinically, developmentally appropriate and culturally sound manner.
Victim Witness Advocate: Advocates are the primary contact between the family and team following the forensic interview. Their primary goal is to reduce the level of secondary injury associated with the aftermath of crime. They provide information about victim rights, address safety concerns, provide appropriate support and resource information, and assist families obtain restraining orders, apply for the Attorney General’s Victim Compensation Fund, and apply for public assistance program. If the case proceeds to court, advocates explain the court process, provide updates on court proceedings, accompany the family to court if necessary, and assist with trial preparation meetings.
Assistant District Attorney: The District Attorney’s Office has the responsibility and discretion for deciding whether to criminally prosecute cases. Prosecutors decide whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charges and, after consulting with the team about whether a criminal prosecution would be in a child’s best interest from a clinical standpoint, decide whether to seek criminal charges. If there is insufficient evidence or the child is not in a position to continue with the court process, a decision may be made not to go forward with criminal charges. This does not mean the case could not be revisited in the future if the circumstances change. The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office has developed partnerships with federal and state law enforcement agencies, including the United States Attorney’s Office and Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, and will coordinate with these agencies in appropriate cases.
Police: Police detectives investigate allegations of criminal conduct. A police officer from the city or town where the alleged abuse occurred or a trooper from the Massachusetts State Police will be responsible for collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses and possibly the suspect(s), making arrests when appropriate, and helping ensure the child and family’s safety. Please refer to our list of Middlesex County Police Departments for contact information.
Department of Children and Families Investigator: DCF is the state agency entrusted with the responsibility of protecting children from abuse and neglect by their caretakers and strengthening families. An investigating social worker attends the forensic interview, conducts an investigation to determine whether to support the 51A report, and decides whether DCF will open a case with the family for support and services.
Clinical Resource Specialist: The CRS works with victims and families whose cases are not criminally prosecuted to provide assistance with medical and mental health referrals.
Pediatric Nurse: The nurse reviews medical records obtained during the course of a criminal investigation and helps assess medical issues and evidence. The nurse does not conduct medical evaluations.
