Through her leadership on the Joint House and Senate Juvenile Task Force, which she chaired in the House for several years, in 2004 Child Advocacy Centers became an official part of the multi-disciplinary investigative teams through passage of HB 4649, which she co-sponsored. CACs provide a child-focused, multidisciplinary response to child abuse. Established to prevent the re-victimization of sexually abused children by the system (some child victims in West Virginia were interviewed over 15 times), multidisciplinary teams aim for one interview with a potential child victim of sexual abuse. The child is interviewed by a forensic specialist. Behind a two-way mirror, representatives of law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, mental health, medical, and family members may participate in the interview. Delegate Fleischauer helped establish the Monongalia County CAC, which recently celebrated its 10th year of operation.
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