Child Abuse Central Index

Overview

The Attorney General administers the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI). The Legislature created the CACI in 1965 as a tool for state and local agencies to help protect the health and safety of California’s children.

The CACI is governed by California Penal Code sections 11164 through 11174.3, commonly referred to as the “Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act” (CANRA).

Investigated reports of child abuse are forwarded to the CACI. These reports contain information related to substantiated cases of physical, sexual, mental or emotional abuse, and/or severe neglect of a child.

Uses of the CACI

Information within the CACI is used by:

• Law enforcement for investigations and prosecutions
• Law enforcement for notification of new child abuse investigation reports involving the same suspects and/or victims
• Social welfare agencies screening applicants for licensing or employment in childcare facilities and foster homes
• Social welfare agencies conducting background checks related to child placements and adoptions

Access to CACI information is restricted and controlled by statute.

Information On-File in the CACI

Information within CACI includes:

• Names and personal descriptors of the suspects and victims listed in reports
• The agency that investigated the incident
• The name and/or number assigned to the case by the investigating agency
• The type(s) of abuse investigated

Responsibility for Submitted Information

The effectiveness of the CACI depends on the quality of the information reported. Each agency that submits a report of substantiated child abuse or severe neglect is responsible for the accuracy, completeness, and retention of the original report.

The CACI serves as a “pointer” to the original submitting agency, which maintains the full investigative record.