The California Child Abuse Central Index (“CACI”) is a tool created by the California Legislature to protect the health and safety of children. CACI is a list consisting of names of people who are investigated or charged with child abuse. Every child abuse investigation is reported to CACI. The reports detail the investigation of alleged physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental/emotional abuse, and severe neglect of a child.
Your name is be placed on CACI if an investigator determines that there is a “substantiated” or “inconclusive” reason that you were involved in the abuse or neglect of a child. After the initial investigation, the investigator will have one of three different conclusions: the allegations of child abuse or neglect are substantiated, inconclusive, or unfounded. A finding of “substantiated” and “inconclusive” will put your name on CACI. A finding of “unfounded” will not put your name on CACI.
In order to list anyone on the CACI, the county is required to notify the individual within five (5) business days of submitting the information to the Department of Justice. There are procedures that allow a person who is listed on CACI to challenge their placement on CACI. Specifically, a person can request a grievance hearing to remove their name from CACI. Once a hearing has been requested, the hearing must be heard in front of a grievance hearing officer within 60 calendar days.
After the grievance hearing, the hearing officer will make a decision within 30 days of the close of the grievance hearing. The decision will contain a summary statement of the facts, the issues involved, the findings, and the basis for the decision. The County Director, within ten (10) business days after the recommended decision is issued, will issue a written final decision adopting, rejecting, or modifying the recommended decision. The County Director will explain why the recommended decision was rejected or modified.
The consequences of being placed on CACI can seriously impact your future employment in jobs involving children, such as teaching or child care services. With so much at stake, it is essential that you speak with an experienced CACI attorney before taking any action on your case. Wallin & Klarich has over 30 years of experience defending the rights of our clients. Call us at (888) 749-7428 to learn more about your legal rights. We will be there when you call.
