Frequently Asked Questions

The Child Abuse Services Team (CAST) is a multidisciplinary team of professionals who coordinate a response to child abuse. One main goal of CAST is to reduce the number of interviews a child must undergo, thereby helping to lessen the trauma associated with repeated recounting of painful experiences.

• Your child will be talking to someone about what happened.
• This person regularly talks to children and teenagers.
• It’s okay to talk about what happened.
• Your child is not in any kind of trouble.
• People just need to understand what happened.

A specially trained Child Forensic Interview Specialist—with extensive training and experience in child development—will interview your child in a supportive, child-friendly environment. The interviewer is skilled at creating a calm atmosphere and will explain the process to help your child feel safe. Please reassure your child that they will be alright and understand that the purpose of the interview is simply to help people understand what happened. To best support your child, avoid discussing the details of the interview with them and allow the professional to guide the conversation while you remain a quiet, supportive presence.

• You will be greeted by a member of the CAST team.
• There will be puzzles, coloring books, and toys in the waiting room.
• Just before the interview begins, the interviewer will explain the CAST process.
• The interview takes place in a child-friendly room with your child and the interviewer.
• The interview is video- and audio-taped and observed by a Law Enforcement Officer, a Deputy District Attorney, a DA Investigator, and, when appropriate, a Social Worker.
• During the interview, you may speak with a DA Victim Witness Advocate, a Mental Health Clinician, and/or a representative from CALM (Children & Adults Learning to Mend).

No. Because the interview is part of an ongoing investigation, only those professionals involved will have access to the interview recording.

• You and your child may have the opportunity to speak with a DA Victim Witness Advocate, a Mental Health Clinician, or a representative from CALM.
• The DVD of the interview will be secured as evidence with the law enforcement department.
• You will be able to speak with a detective and ask questions concerning the case.
• Your child may have to testify in court, and support services will be available.

Additional services include referrals from both DA Victim Witness and CALM, alongside funding for counseling through the DA Victim Witness CALVCB Program (call 707-445-7417 for more information). For further details about services available to crime victims, please coordinate with your Victim Witness Advocate.

Yes—Humboldt County offers several targeted programs for youth who’ve been affected by crime:

•  Humboldt County Transition-Age Youth Collaboration (HCTAYC)  – A youth advocacy & leadership program (ages 16–26) for those with lived experience in foster care, juvenile justice, behavioral health, or homelessness.
•  Our House – Youth Services Bureau  – Temporary shelter & wrap-around support for young people fleeing dangerous homes, experiencing homelessness, or severe family conflict.
•  Love Is Respect  – A national hotline/text line offering education, support, and crisis intervention for youth facing unhealthy or abusive relationships.

In Humboldt County, environmental crimes—like illegal dumping, hazardous waste violations, or water pollution—can be reported to:

•  Humboldt County Environmental Health  – File online or call (707) 445-6200
•  California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)  – Toll-free hotline 1-888-ARB-LINE

As a Humboldt County resident, you’re protected from fraud, deceptive practices, and unsafe products under state and federal law. If you suspect your rights have been violated, you can reach out to:

•  Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office – Consumer Protection Unit  – call (707) 445-7481
•  California Department of Consumer Affairs 

Depending on the nature of the scheme, investigations may be handled by:

•  Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office – Consumer Protection Unit  – call (707) 445-7481
•  California Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Section 
•  FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center 

Financial crimes—like identity theft or investment fraud—can be reported to:

•  Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 
•  California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (DFPI) 
•  Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office  – call (707) 445-7481

Yes—victims may be eligible for court-ordered restitution and state-funded compensation:

•  California Victim Compensation Board  – Apply online or call 1-800-777-9229
•  Humboldt County District Attorney’s Victim-Witness Assistance Center  – call (707) 445-7408

Complete the CalVCB application and work with the Victim-Witness Assistance Center when your case is filed with the DA’s Office. The court will consider your request during sentencing.

The judge sets restitution at sentencing based on the DA’s recommendations and your documented losses, including any Victim Impact Statement prepared with the Victim-Witness Assistance Center.

Court-ordered restitution is paid to the Humboldt County Clerk’s Office and distributed by the DA’s Office. CalVCB compensation checks go directly to approved applicants.

If restitution isn’t paid, the court can enforce the order through wage garnishment or asset liens, with support from the Victim-Witness Assistance Center.