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MDIC

(559) 268-1118
Emails: mgutierrez@fccap.org

Imagine this

A Child has been physically abused or sexually abused ...

California law requires multiple agencies conduct a thorough investigation, even though the child may be suffering from trauma, shame and fear.

Traditionally, the young victim would be interviewed by as many as six different agencies, adding to the child’s distress and compromising successful prosecution.

Imagine a better way.

The MDIC of Fresno County ...

In 1998, Fresno County, through collaboration with the District Attorney, Law Enforcement, Child Protective Services and medical professionals, established a child-friendly forensic interview center for children who may have been abused physically or sexually.

Through this collaboration of Fresno's public and private non-profit agencies, and the generosity of many donors, the MDIC of Fresno County opened its doors.

Now one member of a specially trained team conducts a single forensic interview. The team, comprised of law enforcement, social service and the district attorney, participates in the interview by observing behind a one-way mirror. The interview is video- and audiotaped for preservation.

Program Goals

• To minimize the trauma to abused children by reducing the number of interviews and interviewers
• To enhance the fact-finding process in criminal and dependency cases
• To increase the probability of convicting the perpetrators of abuse
• To coordinate services provided by the participating agencies
• To meet the needs of the children and their families in our community