Child Advocacy and Support Team

CAST enhances current services provided by a well-established outpatient Child Protection team. The program also works closely with Carle Emergency Department’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, the only state-wide 24/7 SANE program that includes pediatric sexual assault evaluations. 

Focusing on inpatient victims of physical abuse and neglect, CAST provides:
•    A dedicated team to triage phone calls and administer ED evaluations and in-house consults.
•    Appropriate diagnostic and forensic investigations.
•    A liaison to DCFS, police and the court system.
•    Outpatient services, including forensic data collection and foster care clinic evaluations.
•    Advocacy for the child’s well-being upon return home or safe placement in the community.
•    Education and training to providers.
•    Timely follow-up to keep the referring physician informed.

How to Access CAST
When a child is admitted to Carle for suspected child abuse, CAST is automatically notified for consultation. Providers can refer a patient for inpatient admission by calling (800) 451-4330. If a provider suspects abuse that may not require inpatient care, Pediatric Specialties is available at (217) 383-3100 for consultation on next steps.