The Department of Human Services and Child Sexual Abuse Investigations The specialized DHS Sexual Abuse Intake unit investigates new cases of alleged child sexual abuse. Comprised of social work investigators, the staff was selected from among more than 600 DHS caseworkers for their willingness to tackle complicated family situations and work best practices in the area of child sex abuse. These investigators work to provide safety and healing for the victimized children, to support the non-offending caretakers in protecting their children, and to seek justice and treatment for perpetrators. The Sex Abuse Intake Unit attempts to complete investigation of its cases within thirty days, including developing a plan for services and treatment, and then transfers the case to another appropriate unit for ongoing services. Over 150 new cases a month come into the sex abuse unit, and the number rarely falls below 100. Currently, allegations of sexual abuse that occur in ongoing cases are managed by other units. Children today are experiencing early sexualization in our society, as result of all the stimuli to which they are exposed. The absence of family boundaries and guidance can turn it into a real problem. The Child Sex Abuse Intake unit works hard to effect early and rapid response to disclosures. With police and Children’s Alliance partners, this rapid response is becoming part of the system and will increase both prevention, through more arrests and treatment, and healing for the child, with a swift reaction of safety, protection and therapeutic response for the victim. Back