he Children and Adolescent Sexual Abuse Resource Center (CASARC)
is an agency in the San Francisco Department of Public Health that
provides specialized services to children and adolescents (up to age 18)
who have experienced sexual abuse or assault. CASARC is expanding its
services to include victims of severe physical abuse, as well as
witnesses to homicides and severe domestic violence. Services available
include forensic interviews at the Multidisciplinary Interview Center
(MDIC), state evidentiary medical examinations and 24-hour availability
to screen for potential abuse, to provide supportive interventions, and
to assess the need for additional services. In addition, CASARC
provides comprehensive case management, clinical mental health
assessments, and trauma focused psychotherapy for individuals, groups,
and families. CASARC also provides education for community
providers, including teachers, physicians, and child welfare workers, on
sexual abuse topics. The Multi-Disciplinary Interview Center
(MDIC) is a collaboration between the San Francisco Police Department,
the San Francisco District Attorney and City Attorney, the Human Service
Agency and CASARC to ensure that the interview process meets the needs
of all participating departments while attempting to decrease the trauma
to the victim that multiple interviews can engender.
Located at San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (SFGH), CASARC has been in existence since 1977. Forensic and crisis management services are available 24 hours a day. If services are required after hours, an intake nurse coordinates with the police and Human Service Agency to provide these services. Specially trained pediatricians are available if a forensic medical examination is required. CASARC became part of the Division of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in 2002.
Its clinical services include:
- Multidisciplinary forensic interview
- Forensic evidence collection
- Immediate Crisis Counseling
- Medical examination and medical treatment and follow-up
- Abuse and trauma focused psychotherapy for the victims and their families
- Play, individual, group and family therapy. Group therapy will include DBT and services for abuse reactive children and their parents
- Psycho-education
- Psychological testing and assessment
- Referrals to appropriate community agencies
CASARC also serves as a community resource center, providing
education and consultation for caregivers/parents, teachers, physicians,
and child welfare workers. It also conducts trainings for health care
providers, mental health clinicians, school personnel, and other
professionals who provide services to children and adolescents.
