The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Approach in Child Advocacy Centers
When a child experiences abuse, the response can shape their healing journey. At Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center, we use the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) model, a coordinated approach that brings together professionals from multiple fields to protect children, support families, and pursue justice.
This model reduces trauma for children and improves outcomes by ensuring that agencies work together instead of in isolation.
What is a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)?
A Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) is a group of professionals who collaborate on cases of child abuse to provide a comprehensive, child-centered response. Rather than forcing children to retell their story multiple times to different agencies, the MDT approach allows agencies to share information, coordinate services, and make decisions together.
Core Goals of an MDT:
Minimize re-victimization of children
Improve outcomes through coordinated investigation, intervention, and prosecution
Support success in both child welfare and criminal justice systems
Who is Part of the MDT?
The MDT includes professionals from various disciplines, each with unique expertise:
Law Enforcement
Local Police Departments, Sheriff’s Offices, Mississippi Bureau of Investigations (MBI), FBI, Homeland Security, Military, and the Attorney General’s Office
Investigate crimes against children, interview families, gather evidence, and recommend arrests
Provide safety during interventions and coordinate with Child Protection Services
Attend forensic interviews and participate in MDT case reviews
Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MDCPS)
Legally mandated to receive all child abuse, neglect, and exploitation reports
Refer cases to Youth Court, law enforcement, and the District Attorney’s office
Lead agency for removing children from unsafe homes
Attend forensic interviews and participate in MDT case reviews
Medical Providers
Ensure children receive proper medical care
Perform and interpret forensic medical exams with pediatric/adolescent expertise
Differentiate abuse indicators from medical conditions
Provide treatment, referrals, and education for families
Participate in MDT case reviews and share medical findings
Mental Health Providers
Deliver trauma-informed therapy for children and non-offending caregivers
Share clinical insights to guide case planning
Help the MDT understand the impact of trauma
Participate in collaborative care and MDT case reviews
Prosecutors
Prosecute felony child abuse cases and guide investigations
Prepare children and families for court
Ensure families understand case status and rights
Types of prosecutors involved:
District Attorneys- felony child abuse cases
Youth Court Prosecutors- hearings, treatment, delinquency cases
County/City Prosecutors- involvement varies by case
Child Advocacy Center
Provide forensic interviews
Make referrals to provide ongoing services and care
Ensure families understand their Victims of Crime Act rights
Log and track all child abuse reports and data
Encouraging active participation from all MDT partners
Why the MDT Approach Matters
The MDT approach is considered the gold standard in child abuse response because it:
Reduces trauma by limiting the number of times a child must share their experiences
Strengthens investigations through shared expertise and resources
Improves child protection by ensuring all agencies work together
Supports healing by connecting children and families to medical, mental health, and advocacy services
At Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center, we believe no child should face abuse alone. The MDT model ensures children receive care, protection, and justice in a way that honors their dignity and reduces further trauma.
By uniting law enforcement, child protection services, medical providers, mental health professionals, prosecutors, and advocates, we create a coordinated safety net for children and families.