Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Presents guidelines for developing multidisciplinary teams and protocols to investigate child abuse and neglect (including drug endangered children). Describes benefits of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach. Notes when joint investigations are required and what elements MDT protocols should contain. Components to consider when drafting an MDT protocol include mission statement, responsibilities of each discipline, training, forensic methods, case review meetings, victim assistance, record keeping, and confidentiality. Lists special investigation scenarios requiring coordination between law enforcement and family services, such as child death or abduction, child pornography, high profile cases, or cases involving the military or Indian reservations. Includes a sample document outlining roles and responsibilities for law enforcement and family services when investigating DEC cases.