Child Abuse Central Index (CACI). What is CACI?

Not too many people may have ever heard of the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) until it is too late and their name has already been added to the CACI. Unfortunately, we have found that through the years this is quite often the case. Many people call our firm after receiving a notice indicating that their name has been added to the CACI. They want to know what the CACI is and what some of the terminology used in the letter means. Such terms that may be on the CACI notice include “Unfounded”, “Inconclusive”, and “Substantiated”. We will now address what the CACI is.

What is CACI?

First, one’s name is added to the CACI after a report and/or investigation has been conducted.

The reports and/or investigations are generated as a result of allegations made of a child abuse or neglect.

Under Penal Code Section 11165.6, such allegations include “physical injury inflicted by other than accidental means upon a child by another person, sexual abuse, neglect, the willful harming or injuring of a child, the endangering of the person or health of a child, or unlawful corporal punishment or injury.”

In specific, neglect refers to “negligent treatment or the maltreatment of a child by a person responsible for the child’s welfare under circumstances indicating harm or threatened harm to the child’s health or welfare.” Moreover, it is important to note that such child abuse or neglect does not include “a mutual affray between minors” or “an injury caused by reasonable and necessary force used by a peace officer acting within the scope of his or her employment as a peace officer.”

The reports and/or investigations into the allegations of child abuse or neglect are conducted by social workers. Such reports list a finding as to each allegation as either “Unfounded”, “Inconclusive”, or “Substantiated.” In a follow-up blog, we will go into more detail as to what these terms mean and which findings trigger a listing on the CACI.
We hope this gives you some helpful insight into the CACI. If you or a loved one are facing allegations of child abuse or neglect or your name has been added to the CACI, call Wallin and Klarich today. Wallin and Klarich has a team of highly skilled, aggressive CACI and Child Dependency attorneys ready to take your call 7 days week, 24 hours a day! Wallin and Klarich has been in the business of helping people with their CACI and Child Dependency matters for over 40 years and we would like to help you with yours! A qualified, experienced attorney from the firm will be able to evaluate your case when you call.