Current through 2024, ch. 69
Section 32A-4A-4 - Multidisciplinary child abuse teams; establishment; membership; dutiesA. The following persons shall comprise a multidisciplinary child abuse investigation team in each judicial district in the state:(1) the district attorney of the judicial district in which the team is created and established, or the district attorney's designee;(2) a representative from the protective services division of the children, youth and families department, appointed by the director of the division or the director's designee;(3) a representative from a center that exists in the judicial district in which the team is located; and(4) the following members, appointed by the agency head or designee of the following agencies:(a) a representative from each law enforcement agency within the judicial district;(b) medical personnel with expertise and certification in pediatric sexual assault, child physical abuse and neglect identification or treatment;(c) a mental health service provider with training and experience in evidence-supported trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy; and(d) a family or victim advocate from an agency designated for advocacy services in that judicial district.B. The following multidisciplinary child abuse investigation team members shall be present before a forensic interview can take place: (1) the center's forensic interviewer; and(2) when available and as appropriate:(a) a representative from law enforcement; and(b) the representative from the protective services division of the children, youth and families department.C. A multidisciplinary child abuse investigation team shall:(1) develop a written protocol for the investigation and prosecution of cases of child abuse and neglect in accordance with each member agency's requirements;(2) convene on a regular ongoing basis, at least every other month, for the purpose of conducting case tracking, case review and general business and considering proposed modifications to the team's existing protocol; and(3) train and provide technical assistance to team members, agencies and medical providers that investigate child abuse and neglect cases.