Anyone falsely accused of abusing or neglecting a child is at risk of having his or her name put on the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI). The CACI list is maintained by the California Department of Justice (DOJ). However, the DOJ does not decide whose names go on the list or whose names should be taken off the list. Instead, each county in California has an agency (usually the Health and Human Services Agency) that decides whose names go on the CACI.
If you just found out that your name was placed on the CACI many years ago or if you got a letter in the mail notifying you that your name was being placed on the CACI, you have a right to have a Grievance Hearing. The purpose of the Grievance Hearing is to dispute the county’s decision to have your name placed on the CACI. You have a right, and a strong interest, in being represented by competent legal counsel at the hearing.
Generally speaking, there are three reasons for which one might dispute their listing on the CACI. First, the county has the facts wrong. Second, the county misapplied the law to the facts in your case. Third, there are external, equitable or mitigating factors that the county did not consider but which justify the exclusion of your name from the CACI.
In order to win your hearing, the presentation and defense of your case must be persuasive. You will need to gather evidence that supports your argument. You will also need to gather evidence that attacks the county’s case. You may have witnesses testify at the hearing and present other types of evidence, such as letters, photographs, recordings, and the like.
I will help you develop a strategy tailored to your case, designed to give you the maximum chances at winning and getting your name off the CACI. Because having your name on the CACI can prevent you from obtaining employment, becoming a foster parent, adopting a child, etc., you have strong incentives to put every effort into winning your case.
Go to the Resources page for more valuable information on how to proceed fighting your listing on the California Child Abuse Central Index.
I would be honored to help you erase the stain of having your name on the DOJ CACI list. Let’s talk. Call me at 619-792-1451 or send me an email.