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Multidisciplinary Teams and Child Protection Teams

NCJ Number
213172
Author(s)
Eidell B. Wasserman Ph.D.
Date Published
March 2000
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This booklet describes the functions of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) and child protection teams (CPTs), particularly in terms of how they operate in Indian Country.
Abstract
Both MDTs and CPTs bring together representatives from a variety of agencies to respond to child abuse and neglect cases, with the goal of delivering a coordinated response to child abuse and neglect. The key difference between MDTs and CPTs is the focus of the investigation; for MDTs the focus is on prosecution while for CPTs the focus is on protecting the child. MDTs generally bring criminal actions while CPTs generally involve civil actions. These types of multidisciplinary approaches to child abuse and neglect cases has been widely lauded as the most effective means of dealing with child abuse and neglect in the community. It is noted that in smaller tribal communities, which are mandated to establish MDTs and CPTs, the same members may comprise both teams and, thus, perform their work in tandem. Indeed, the composition and role of MDTs can vary from community to community, with some MDTs focusing on only the most severe types of abuse, leaving CPTs to focus on less severe cases. The booklet describes the typical work and tasks of MDTs and CPTs and discusses jurisdictional issues in Indian Country where both Federal and tribal governments have jurisdiction over cases. Barriers that may interfere with the work of MDTs are explored and include confusion regarding the role of the team, lack of participation by key personnel, and territorial issues. References, resources