The day a child sexual abuse report is filed marks the beginning of a challenging journey for families and victims. Here is what you need to know about what happens after a child sexual abuse report is filed, and what you can expect during the legal process with a sexual abuse lawyer in Kansas City.
Initial Steps in the Reporting Process
If you suspect that a child is experiencing sexual abuse in Kansas City, you should file a report as soon as possible. Where you file will depend on what part of Kansas City the abuse is taking place:
- In Missouri, call the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-3738.
- In Kansas, call the Kansas Protection Report Center at 1-800-922-5330.
- If you believe that the child is in immediate danger, call 911.
You will need to provide details such as the child’s name, parents’ information, the alleged abuser’s identity, and the child’s location. After the initial report, the case moves to the county where the child resides. Officials will then categorize the report and launch an official investigation.
Investigation by Government Agencies
In Missouri, a Children’s Service Worker must initiate an investigation or family assessment within 24 hours of receiving a report of child sexual abuse. In Kansas, the Department for Children and Families follows a similar protocol. Investigations must begin within 72 hours of receiving a report, but cases deemed high-risk often receive immediate attention.
During the investigation, the appropriate agency will examine evidence related to the abuse and assess the child’s safety. Investigators interview the child, family members, and potential witnesses. They gather physical evidence, review medical records, and consult with experts if necessary. Investigators may also assess the home environment to ensure that it is safe for the child.
Potential Outcomes of a Sexual Abuse Investigation
Depending on the investigator’s findings, multiple events may occur after a child sexual abuse investigation. The main priority is to protect the child’s safety and well-being. This may involve removing the child from the home if the abuser lives there or has easy access to the child. The investigators may implement a safety plan, which might include increased supervision, counseling services, or regular check-ins.
The investigation’s findings can also trigger legal proceedings. If there is sufficient evidence, law enforcement may pursue criminal charges against the alleged abuser. Simultaneously, the agency may initiate court proceedings to formally place the child under state protection.
Understand Your Rights: Consult with an Attorney Who Advocates for Children
Child sexual abuse is a devastating act of sexual violence that can affect survivors for the rest of their lives. Even when perpetrators are prosecuted and punished for their crimes, victims can still grapple with physical and psychological scars. However, civil lawsuits provide a pathway to recover tangible compensation so that survivors can move forward with their lives.
These claims can provide compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, and other damages resulting from the abuse. However, these cases can be complex, which is why it is important to consult with a Kansas City child sexual abuse lawyer.
An attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the best interests of your child. To learn more about your options for justice, schedule a free legal consultation and discuss your next steps with a firm that will advocate for you.