Multidisciplinary Team
In 1985, Former Congressman Robert E. “Bud” Cramer (AL), who was then a District Attorney in Madison County, Alabama, saw the need to create a better system to help abused children. At that time, the social service and the criminal justice systems were not working together in an effective manner that children could trust, adding to the children’s emotional distress, and creating a segmented, repetitious, and often frightening experience for the child victims. Cramer envisioned a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) approach to child abuse cases, bringing together law enforcement, criminal justice, child protective services, and medical and mental health workers onto one coordinated team to improve case outcomes.
All of our interviews are coordinated, tracked and reviewed by the Muskogee County Multidisciplinary Team (MCMDT). In cases of trafficking and child abuse, forensic interviews can mean the difference between justice and injustice. The MCMDT operates with an approved protocol that each discipline agrees to follow in order to maintain confidentiality and promote a collaborative response.
It’s our job to protect children during legal investigations. Kids’ Space and the MCMDT agree to:
Provide a neutral location for children and families to receive services at no cost
Meet with the investigators jointly to go over the details of the investigation
Conduct forensic interviews and medical examinations with all children involved
Provide referrals for children and caregivers to receive trauma-focused mental health services
Provide the district attorney with all evidence
Convene at biweekly case review meetings to make trauma-informed recommendations, treatment options and identify accountable members to execute recommendations
What Exactly Happens at the MCMDT Case Review?
All professionals involved with the cases included on the agenda will discuss the case to include, but not limited to, information pertaining to:
Review Forensic Interview Outcomes
Progress of Investigation
Review of Medical Evaluation
Child Safety
Prosecution Decisions
Treatment, Support & Needs of Family
Assessment of Family Response & Involvement
Review of Criminal & Civil Updates/Disposition
Court Education/Support
Cultural Considerations
Legal Rights
Intervention Impact
Child well-being & Outcomes