The California Child Abuse Central Index (CACI)

You may see or hear your Los Angeles family lawyer discuss something they call the “CACI.” If you’re wondering what it is, it is the California Child Abuse Central Index. It is also an important tool used to combat child abuse.

The CACI isn’t public. You can’t simply go online and search the records. You also cannot easily access the database through written requests if you are an ordinary citizen.

The CACI is mainly used for specific purposes. Law enforcement agencies use the database to field investigations. Social welfare agencies, and some foster and adoption agencies can also make informational requests. They can find information about abusers and their victims. Specifically, the index includes information about the victims and the suspects, the agency that reported the incident, the type of abuse allegedly committed, and eventual findings or conclusions of the investigating agency.

The index is used in several different ways. Agencies that make requests about who is on the list can screen out potential abusers. For example, abusers who seek employment in child care facilities will likely be screened out because they are on the CACI list.

The CACI may also aid in criminal investigations. The law enforcement aspect of the database also helps prosecutors gather information about defendants. It may also help police officers resolve child abuse cases.

Agencies such as police departments, probation departments, county welfare organizations, and the sheriff’s department are all required by law to report child abuse incidents they investigate. They must report every case, unless it is found that the case is one of general neglect or if the charges are untrue or unfounded.

If you think you may be on the CACI, you may check by making a self-inquiry. This requires you to send a signed and notarized request to the California Department of Justice.

Victims of child abuse may move to have their information and name taken off the database. Your Los Angeles family lawyer can assist you with the process. You will need to send a notarized request to the Department of Justice asking for your information to be removed.

For more information about the CACI contact skilled Los Angeles family lawyer Daniel Cota at (800) 351-6860. The initial consultation is free of charge.