The Child Abuse Unit, (CAU) established in 1987, works together to provide information, support and advocacy services to child victims and their families from case investigation throughout the court process, including post conviction proceedings. The staff maintains a child-sensitive, multidisciplinary response to the issue(s) of child abuse in the Northwestern District, as well as, effective intervention and prosecution of cases involving child neglect, physical injury or sexual assault upon children under the age of eighteen.

Sexual Abuse Intervention Network (SAIN)

Through the Sexual Abuse Intervention Network (SAIN), the Northwestern District Attorney’s Child Abuse Unit collaborates with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and state and local police agencies to coordinate the investigation of reported physical or sexual abuse of children under the age of eighteen.

The primary goal of the SAIN team is to reduce the number of times a child will be interviewed by different professionals. The team is designed to respond to the needs of a victim or their non-offending family members quickly, and to allow an early and convenient opportunity for the family to meet and obtain information about the various agencies working with the family.

The SAIN team may consist of:

• Assistant District Attorney
• Department of Children and Families Investigative Social Worker
• Forensic Child Interview Specialist
• Family Service Advocate
• Police Officer
• SAIN Team Coordinator

How To Report Abuse

If you have a concern that a child may be neglected or the victim of physical or sexual abuse, please contact your local Department of Children and Families (DCF).

The Department of Children and Families Area Offices which investigate reports of child abuse and neglect in the Northwestern District are:

Holyoke Area DCF
261 High Street
Holyoke, MA
(413) 493-2600
covers Southampton, Huntington

Van Wart DCF
112 Industry Avenue
Springfield, MA
(413) 205-0500
covers Granby, Belchertown, Ware, South Hadley

Greenfield Area DCF
One Arch Place
Greenfield, MA
(413) 775-5000
covers all other cities and towns in Hampshire and Franklin Counties and the Town of Athol.