Usually when you first come to the Children's Advocacy Center of Jackson County, you will have already met either a Law Enforcement Office (LE) or a Department of Human Services (DHS) caseworker. Your child must do this interview without a parent/guardian; our interviewers are Special Kid Helpers and are very kind and gentle.

After your child's interview, LE or DHS will usually meet with your child to review and explain what to expect from the investigation. During your child's interview, the Center's staff will:

• Explain details about the services of the Center
• Give you educational brochures to better understand the abuse
• Help guide you and your family to the path of healing
• Always be available to answer questions and concerns
• Help you set up a medical exam or therapeutic assessment

Things you need to know about Grand Jury:

• In the legal system, the Grand Jury consists of 7 junors who determine if there is enough evidence for an indictment, which is another way of saying that the suspect is being charged with a crime
• Grand Jurors examine the evidence presented to them by a prosecutor
• The process is CONFIDENTIAL and involves the Law Enforcement officer involved, a representative from the District Attorney's Office and Vicitm/Witness Advocate who will keep you informed about the legal case
• Not every investigation results in a Grand Jury
• Grand Jury is held at the Children's Advocacy Center so that the children feel safe and unafraid
• The Grand Jury hears cases involving children under 18 years of age