STCAC TEam

MDT Model:

In response to dissatisfaction with historical approaches to child abuse investigations, many
counties across the country have implemented a cross-agency collaborative approach to child
abuse case investigations. The Multidisciplinary Team approach brings together
representation from all involved agencies, CPS, District Attorney, Medical Examiners, Victim
Advocates, and Law Enforcement, to coordinate a unified investigation into allegations of child
abuse.

CAC and MDT Model Benefits:

The benefits of the MDT Model approach to investigating allegations of child abuse are
numerous and significant. It improves cross-agency communication, minimizes the trauma to
child victims from repetitious interviews and increases the prosecution and conviction rate of
child sex offenders.

Cross-agency training opportunities;

Heightened awareness and appreciation for the roles other agencies play in an
investigation;

Increases prosecution and conviction rates

;

Minimizes trauma to child and non-offending family members;

Improves cross-agency collaboration and communication making case investigations
more efficient, comprehensive and compassionate for children and families;

Conducts community outreach to educate and raise awareness within the schools,
homes and general public about child abuse and child abuse prevention;

To advocate for and protect abuse victims who cannot protect themselves – children.

Southern Tier Children’s Advocacy Center – Services Provided:

Forensic Investigation - Following a referral from law enforcement or CPS, trained
child interview specialists conduct a forensic interview of the alleged child victim to
obtain accurate and reliable information to be used by the MDT team in making child
protection, criminal offense, therapeutic and intervention decisions. Interviews are
conducted in a safe and comfortable interview room, with video and audio monitoring
capabilities.

Medical Examinations - Specially trained pediatricians perform all medical exams. The
exam will be like a regular doctor’s check up in many ways with some extra time spent on
the injured areas. The exam will identify any medical conditions or trauma which must be
treated, collect and document evidence if present, and most importantly assure your
child he or she is physically unharmed or that any injury will be treated. Sexually abused
victims will be examined using a colposcope, which helps the examiner see the genital
and anal areas. This exam is NOT like a woman’s pap exam, the exam is a looking only
exam with nothing being inserted into the child.

Victim Advocacy - Helps provide information and support throughout the assessment,
investigation and entire court process.

Child Protective Services - CPS's primary role is to assess the risk to the child by
establishing the initial validity of a child abuse allegation. Information that is obtained in
this investigation is used to make the best decision regarding the welfare of the child.

Law Enforcement - The role of the Cattaraugus and Allegany Police Departments is to
investigate possible child abuse crimes for criminal prosecution. Investigators focus on
getting the facts and gathering evidence for strengthening a case for the District
Attorney to prosecute.

District Attorney's - Actively participates in the case investigation to ensure
information and evidence is collected properly to strengthen a prosecution case and
present to a grand jury. The D.A. receives all the information collected in a case
investigation and uses it to prosecute child sex offenders.

Mental Health and Counseling Services - Children and families will be referred for
mental health and counseling to ensure child victims and their non-offending family
members receive follow up care to address emotional trauma and help them process
their feelings and thoughts about the abuse and its impact on their lives.

Transportation to and from the center - Due to the large geographic area served
by the STCAC, transportation services are available for families who would otherwise
not be able to utilize the services of the STCAC due to a lack of reliable transportation.
Please contact the center for more information.

STCAC Team Approach