MDT Fantasy League: Strengthening the Response to Child Abuse Investigations Through Strategic Collaboration
This training focuses on how CPS and law enforcement can strengthen child protection through clear communication, defined roles, and strategic collaboration. Participants gain practical strategies for navigating case barriers and maintaining effective MDT coordination—even when one agency closes its case—so safety and investigative goals remain aligned.
Suggested Audience: All CAC and MDT members, especially CPS caseworkers, forensic interviewers, victim advocates, and law enforcement
Full Description: This training explores how Child Protective Services (CPS) and law enforcement can strengthen child protection through clear communication, shared goals, and strategic collaboration. Participants will examine the distinct yet complementary roles of each discipline and learn how MDTs can work effectively—even when one agency closes its case—to maintain coordinated efforts in a child’s best interest. The session covers practical strategies for navigating barriers like limited disclosures, recantation, investigative missteps, or insufficient evidence, while clarifying responsibilities, leveraging external partnerships, and supporting children in feeling safe to share information so both safety and investigative needs can be met.
Learning Objectives:
Differentiate the distinct roles and goals of CPS and law enforcement within a multidisciplinary team, recognizing how each contributes uniquely to child protection.
Apply strategies for effective collaboration even when one agency closes its case, maintaining coordinated efforts in the child’s best interest.
Utilize joint problem-solving approaches to address barriers such as lack of disclosure, recantation, flawed initial investigative steps, insufficient evidence, or conflicting recommendations while preserving partnership and child safety.
Speaker(s): Alison Sutherland
