The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) utilizes a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) to aid in the investigation and prosecution of child abuse and child sexual assault. Its purpose is to reduce the trauma to such victims that can be caused by the criminal justice process.
The MDT approach is to promote and strengthen collaborative working relationships among agencies working to protect and treat victims. It is evidence-based, supported by research, and used throughout the country. The Monmouth County MDT includes representation from the following: Law Enforcement (MCPO Special Victims Bureau, or SVB), New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P), Prosecution, Mental Health, Medical, Victim Advocacy, and the MDT/Child Advocacy Center (CAC) Coordinator. The elements necessary for the success of a MDT include the ability of team members to integrate their various skills, expertise, and roles; the willingness to work together in a complex system; the ability to work in an environment in which group success takes precedence over individual accomplishments; shared resources to support the program and families; and the evaluation of the team process.
The most important benefits of the MDT process is the prescribed sharing of information, which minimizes duplicative investigative efforts, enhances decision-making, and reduces the possibility that service needs might fall through the cracks. The CAC, a MCPO satellite office located in Freehold Township, provides an optimal location and focal point for Monmouth County’s collaboration and coordination of an agreed-upon set of protocols to conduct a joint investigation between Law Enforcement and DCP&P.
A forensic interview protocol dictates the MDT approach. Interviews are conducted by a specialized Detective who has been trained to interview children who have been abused. The protocol stresses the need to reduce the number of times a child victim is interviewed. Cases are discussed from the earliest point possible at case review meetings, so that all team members can participate in the planning and coordination of services for the child and family. The cases are reviewed regularly until there is resolution in the legal process and/or the child and family are adequately connected to community services and resources, ensuring that the child and family are safe and receiving appropriate services. This approach reduces duplication of services, and decisions are based on the expertise of representatives of all professional disciplines on the MDT.