An Internet Resource for Forensic Investigation
of Child Sexual Abuse Cases

Using a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Approach

Cindy Conine, B.S., Lisa Daniel, B.S.,
C. Curtis Holmes, Ph.D., Katie Lumsden, J.D.
s Tina McAfee, B.A., Lieutenant Jamie McDaniel
Tara Raffield, M.S., Beverly Sanders, B.A.
Carolyn Schomer, M.Ed., M.S.W., Captain Jerry Stewart

One way to think about how to utilize an MDT approach in a specific community is to view the choices as a continuum. Some communities may only be able to utilize an alliance between the Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) and Child Protective Service (CPS) caseworker. Other communities may have fully functioning CACs that are collaborating even further with such issues as domestic violence and/or with other concerns about children/youth/families. Where a community is located on this continuum can assist in determining what new steps to consider. What is clear, however, is that a community should attempt to move forward along this continuum.

A Community MDT Continuum

  • (More Extensively Evolved)
    • Umbrella multi-service agency re: Children and/or families
      • CAC/Multi-agency joint grants/projects
      • CAC/LE/CPS/DA/Med/MH/School(s)/Domestic Violence Services (DV)
      • CAC/LE/CPS/DA/Med/MH/School
      • Child Advocacy Center (CAC)
      • Community coordinating task force
      • LE/CPS/DA/Med/Mental Health(MH) MDT
      • LE/CPS/DA/Med MDT
      • LE/CPS/District Attorney (DA) MDT
    • Joint interview with Law Enforcement (LE) and Child Protective Services (CPS) Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)
  • (Less Extensively Evolved)

The use of an MDT approach for investigating child sexual abuse can greatly improve a community's response through improvements in:

  • Case management
  • Services to children
  • Decision making
  • Investigations
  • Meeting agency goals

The essence of the MDT approach is collaboration.
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