CACI

CACI Law

The Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) is an index of alleged and substantiated physical, sexual, mental, emotional, child abuse and neglect. The CACI is composed of reports from law enforcement, welfare agencies, probation officers and parole officers. The CACI is used by state and county agencies, along with other organizations to help protect children's health and safety. The CACI information is accessible to law enforcement and prosecutors. Law enforcement uses the CACI to assist in child abuse investigations. The CACI is available to social welfare agencies for use in screening applicants for employment and licensing. These agencies include child care facilities, foster homes, temporary child placements and adoption agencies.

The CACI includes the following information:

• Names of both suspects and victims
• Personal descriptors of both suspects and victims
• The name (number) assigned to the case by the investigation agency
• Type(s) of abuse investigated (child abuse, child neglect, sexual abuse, etc.)
• The findings of investigations (either substantiated or inconclusive)

The CACI is administered by the California Attorney General. It was created in 1965 by the California State Legislature to assist state and local agencies to protect the health and safety of children in California.

CACI Legal Issues:

Inclusion the CACI can have a wide impact for California citizens. Employers who have interactions with children are given access the CACI. These employers include public/private schools, law enforcement, foster homes, day cares, child welfare agencies, health care, adoption agencies, and child care services. Inclusion in the CACI, even in the inconclusive category can limit employment opportunities and/or harm one’s reputation. Inclusion on the CACI can also prevent you from becoming a foster parent or adopting.

A minor can stay on the CACI for 10 years. An adult will stay on the CACI until they are 100 years of age.

What a Lawyer can do for you:

A CACI lawyers can help you schedule your Grievance Hearing and/or represent you in your Grievance Hearing.

When an incident is reported to the CACI, a notice will be sent from the county agency informing you that you have been placed on the CACI. You have a very limited window of time to schedule your CACI Grievance Hearing. If you do not schedule your Grievance Hearing in the allotted time you may lose the opportunity to be removed from the CACI.

In some instances, a person will discover they are included in the CACI when seeking employment or applying for a license. In these cases, a CACI lawyer can assist you in requesting a CACI Grievance Hearing.

There are strict procedural requirements for requesting a Grievance Hearing. A miss-step in the procedure, time restraints or requirements can result in permanent inclusion on the CACI. An experienced CACI lawyer can help you navigate this process and give you the best chance at avoiding the very serious consequence of inclusion on the CACI.

Lawyer Referral Service:

To find an experienced CACI lawyer, contact Attorney Search Network. We can help you find a CACI lawyer who will help you with your legal issue. If you have any questions about the information provided above, please contact us for a lawyer referral.