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SAIN New Bedford
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SAIN Fall River
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SEXUAL ABUSE INTERVENTION NETWORK
What is SAIN?
SAIN is a multi-disciplinary team of professionals who investigate
child sexual abuse and serious physical abuse. What are the benefits of SAIN?
This team approach can reduce trauma for victims of sexual assault
by decreasing the number of investigative interviews that the child
participates in. Also, as the professionals are working together
early on in the investigation stage of the case, services for the
victim and the victim's family can be better coordinated.
Who makes referrals to the team?
Referrals are made most often by the Intake Unit at the Department
of Social Services. Other referrals may be made by local police, and
the District Attorney's Office.
Who makes up the team?
1. Child & Family Services' SAIN Team
Coordinator: receives referrals to be scheduled and conducts the
interviews.
2. Department of Social Services: the intake worker, the intake
supervisor, and the ongoing worker (if it is an open case).
3. District Attorney's Office: an investigator
4. Local Police Department: of appropriate jurisdiction, or State
Police.
How does the interview work?
Since it would be very confusing to a child to be interviewed by
several different people at one time, a room with a one-way mirror
is used, This allows one person to interview the victim while other
team members observe.
Consent
All cases seen by the team must have written consent from the
non-offending parent or guardian. The referring professional is
responsible for obtaining this written consent prior to the
interview.
What happens after the interview?
After the interview, the team discusses the information disclosed
and makes recommendations for the child and his or her family. These
recommendations are then discussed with the parent.
Referrals to mental health, medical and other community resources
can be made. All information discussed during these meetings is
confidential and shared only with the appropriate people.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or need more information, contact the SAIN
Program located at Child & Family Services, Inc.
Child &
Family Services of Fall River
66 Troy Street
Fall River, MA 02720
Telephone: 508-676-5708
Fax: 508-676-1948
Child & Family Services, Inc. Main Office
1061 Pleasant Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
Telephone: 508-996-8572
Fax: 508-991-8618
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