What is an Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)?
A multidisciplinary team (MDT) is a child abuse response team comprised of a multidisciplinary group of professionals from diverse organizations who are trained and equipped to work together as part of a coordinated response to child abuse.
Who is on an MDT?
Multidisciplinary teams are made up of medical and mental health professionals, child and family services specialists, experienced prosecutors and judges, law enforcement professionals, and child advocacy center professionals.
Arkansas MDT Members Include:
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Arkansas State Police - Crimes Against Children Division
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DHS | Division of Child and Family Services
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Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline
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Prosecuting Attorneys
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Law Enforcement Professionals
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Juvenile Probation and Division of the Circuit Courts
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Mental Health Professionals
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Medical Professionals
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Children’s Advocacy Center Staff
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AR•MDT Facilitators
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Other MDT Members
Why are MDTs important?
Arkansas MDTs are experts in responding to suspected child abuse and neglect. Consolidating essential child abuse response services on individual teams, MDTs are a coordinated and thorough response team, providing expertise and minimizing additional trauma to victims caused by repetitive questions and interviews. MDTs bring the full range of essential services to the child and at no cost to victims and their families.
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Reduce trauma to child victims of abuse and neglect
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Improve outcomes for children and families in Arkansas impacted by abuse
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Work efficiently and reduce duplication efforts between agencies
Arkansas' MDT Program
In 2021, Arkansas Act 975 shifted operational responsibility of the Arkansas MDT Project to CACar to align and bolster community-level resources between the MDTs and the local child advocacy centers. MDTs exist in 64 counties in Arkansas.
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MDT facilitators tend to the relationships, communication and accountability of the MDT while fostering an inclusive environment to improve outcomes for children and families impacted by abuse. There are 38 dedicated MDT facilitators.
Our Vision for MDTs in Arkansas
Multidisciplinary teams are leaders in innovative and collaborative child abuse response whereby ALL children enjoy their right to be protected from abuse and neglect and have access to ALL services through our coordinated efforts.
Our Values
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Above all else, the child comes first.
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Every child matters. Every service matters. Every member matters.
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Collaboration and coordination is essential.
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Uniqueness is powerful.
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Always demonstrate trust.
The Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline receives 65,000 calls every year.
When a child victim is identified, the MDT in the child’s county will collaborate its efforts to meet the child’s need for safety, healing and justice. ALL reports of severe child maltreatment are directed to an MDT to activate the collaborative efforts on behalf of the child.
