Forming a Multidisciplinary Team to Investigate Child Abuse

Abstract

Multidisciplinary teams (MDT’s) comprising professionals from law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medicine, counseling, and related fields have proven to be highly effective in responding to reports of child abuse and neglect. The inter-agency cooperation, coordination, and collaboration effected through an MDT ensure a timely and appropriate investigation with the least possible trauma to children and families. This guide discusses the need for the MDT approach to investigations, describes several types of MDT, and provides advice on forming and operating an effective team. It was originally published by the Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention in 1998, revised and re-printed in 2000.