This includes physical abuse, endangerment and neglect that occurs in nursing homes, schools, and hospitals. Felony cases are vertically prosecuted which means that they are handled from start to finish by the same attorney who specializes in Physical Abuse, Endangerment and Neglect of Children, Elders and Dependent Adults prosecutions.
The County of Santa Clara District Attorney's Office with the cooperation of Law Enforcement and numerous government agencies has implemented protocols that commits the signatory agencies to:
- Conduct prompt and thorough investigations of Physical Abuse, Endangerment and Neglect of Children, Elders and Dependent Adult cases;
- Reduce trauma to victimized, children, elder and dependent adults;
- Cooperate effectively to investigate, prosecute and prevent child abuse, and elder, and dependent adult abuse within the County of Santa Clara; and
- Train employees on recognition and investigation of child, elder and dependent adult abuse, endangerment and neglect.
For more information on preventing and reporting child abuse, along with commonly asked questions, contact information, and useful links please visit the County of Santa Clara Department of Social Services.
