Respect for Child Survivors Act
Jan 5, 2023
Statute: 136 Stat. 6270
Became law: Jan 5, 2023
Jan 5, 2023
Statute: 136 Stat. 6270
Became law: Jan 5, 2023
Summary
Makes the FBI use teams of experts and trained interviewers for child abuse and trafficking cases to better support young victims during investigations.
What problem does this solve?
Child abuse investigations can be scary and harmful for young survivors if not handled carefully. This law requires the FBI to use special teams with doctors, counselors, and advocates to make the process safer and more supportive for children.
What does this law do?
Mandates FBI use of multidisciplinary teams
Requires the FBI to use a multidisciplinary team for investigations of child sexual exploitation, abuse, or trafficking, unless one is unavailable.
Requires trained forensic interviewers
Directs the FBI to use a trained child forensic interviewer from either the FBI or a children's advocacy center for all covered investigations.
Defines multidisciplinary team members
Specifies that teams must include investigators, mental health and medical professionals, victim advocates, and children's advocacy center staff.
Strengthens collaboration with Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs)
Requires the FBI Director to seek a formal agreement with a national CAC organization to make their services available to FBI field offices.
Establishes information sharing protocols
Allows children's advocacy center personnel access to necessary FBI case information and requires CACs to provide the FBI with their reports and recordings.
Authorizes funding for child abuse programs
Authorizes $40 million per year from 2022 through 2028 to fund grants and programs under the Victims of Child Abuse Act.
Requires annual reporting on compliance
The FBI Director must report annually to the Attorney General any case where a multidisciplinary team or trained interviewer was not used, explaining why.
Authorizes security clearances for CAC staff
Allows the FBI to provide security clearances to eligible children's advocacy center staff to help with case reviews and information sharing.
Who does this affect?
- Child survivors of abuse and trafficking
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) personnel
- Children's Advocacy Centers staff
What is the real world impact?
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Provides a victim-centered approach
Ensures that investigations into child abuse are conducted in a way that prioritizes the well-being and healing of child survivors by involving various support professionals from the start.
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Improves evidence collection
Formalizes the use of trained forensic interviewers and coordinated teams, which can lead to more reliable and effective evidence gathering for prosecuting offenders.
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Increases collaboration between agencies
Strengthens the partnership between the federal FBI and local Children's Advocacy Centers, ensuring federal cases benefit from local expertise and resources.
When does this start?
This law becomes effective on January 5, 2023, and includes funding authorizations for specific programs through 2028.