Our multi-disciplinary team approach is what makes CALICO unique and what makes the process best for children. Prior to CALICO, many agencies did not routinely talk to and work with one another. CALICO now provides a setting and process for the team to work together. For example, detectives and child welfare workers now conduct joint investigations at CALICO instead of each interviewing the child separately in settings that aren't necessarily appropriate for talking to children. While at CALICO, the detectives can now consult with an on-site district attorney regarding possible charges to file and evidence to collect. And most importantly, families get the one-on-one attention they need to understand what will happen next and get connected to the resources they need to heal.

According to the standards of the National Children's Alliance, if a community is truly intent on responding to child abuse cases in the most effective manner all agencies and organizations must work together: child welfare, law enforcement, prosecution, medical, mental health and victim services. In Alameda County, CALICO makes that happen -- twenty-seven partnering agencies are committed to a multi-disciplinary approach to child abuse investigations. Each has signed an inter-agency agreement and have pledged to meet regularly to discuss and refine inter-agency procedures, review specific cases, share case information and make collective decisions on cases.