What is the CACI?  

The California Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) is a list of names maintained by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) of individuals deemed to have committed “substantiated” child abuse.

Is my name on the CACI?

You should have received a letter in the mail from your local child welfare agency saying the result of their child abuse investigation was “substantiated” and your name was sent to the DOJ for inclusion of the CACI. However, mistakes are sometimes made and you may not have received a letter.  You can do a “self inquiry” through the DOJ by going to their website at the following link and following the instructions.  https://oag.ca.gov/childabuse/selfinquiry

How did I get on the CACI?

The most common scenario is that you were the subject of a child abuse referral.  The local (i.e. County) child welfare agency conducted an investigation and deemed the referral “substantiated.”  

What does “substantiated” mean?

There are 3 possible findings/results of a child abuse investigation: Substantiated, Inconclusive and Unfounded.  Substantiated means it is “more likely than not” that the alleged abuse occurred.  That means, the social worker who conducted the investigation deemed that the abuse occurred by a 51% standard.  

How does being on the CACI affect my life?

Once you are listed on the CACI your name will stay on until you reach the age of 100.  Routine background checks will show that you are listed on the CACI as a child abuser.  It will impede your ability to get employment as a teacher, child care worker, day care worker and other jobs working with or around children.  It will prevent you from working at a school in any capacity such as a security officer, clerical staff, custodial staff, etc.  It may even prevent you from working in law enforcement or as a firefighter or other jobs which require mandated reporting of child abuse.