What is a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)?
A Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) is a collaborative group of professionals — including law enforcement, child protective services, medical/mental health experts and prosecutors — who work together to investigate, treat and support children who have experienced abuse.
35
Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Facilitators
11,289
Child Maltreatment Investigators referred cases to MDTs
64
County-Based Teams
Based on data from Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025.
What is the MDT approach?
The MDT approach is an evidence-based national standard for responding to child abuse. Since the 1980s, this approach has ensured that children and families receive a coordinated, trauma-informed response that prioritizes safety, healing and accountability from the very first report.
A MDT is made up of professionals who each play a critical role in protecting children and supporting families. While team roles may vary case by case, MDTs typically include:
CACD operates a statewide child abuse hotline and a network of investigative offices that receive reports, screen allegations and lead investigations into severe child maltreatment. CACD works in partnership with DCFS and local law enforcement to protect children, conduct child abuse investigations and support criminal and civil responses to abuse and neglect.
DCFS is responsible for protecting children and ensuring their safety and well-being in cases of child maltreatment. DCFS generally leads civil investigations of less severe maltreatment and provides ongoing family support and protective services when appropriate.
The prosecuting attorney represents the state in criminal proceedings to uphold justice and public safety. They make principled charging decisions that balance victim safety, community well-being and offender accountability.
Law enforcement professionals investigate reports of child abuse by collecting evidence, conducting interviews and pursuing arrests on the local, county, state and federal level.
Juvenile Probation and Division of the Courts oversee court proceedings involving children and families and ensure compliance with court-ordered services. Their involvement supports accountability, rehabilitation and long-term safety for children.
Mental health professionals provide trauma-informed assessment, therapy and consultation for children and families impacted by abuse. They participate in MDT discussions and offer recommendations to support healing and long-term recovery.
Medical professionals and SANEs conduct child-focused medical evaluations and collect forensic evidence when indicated. They also provide reassurance, education and medical follow-up for children and caregivers.
CAC staff coordinate child-focused, trauma-informed services in a safe and welcoming environment. They support children and families throughout the investigation by facilitating services and connecting families to needed resources.
AR•MDT facilitators coordinate the multidisciplinary response by bringing partners together and ensuring timely communication. Their role ensures collaboration, accountability and that each child receives comprehensive, coordinated investigations and interventions.
Protect a life, not a secret.
In Arkansas, mandated reporters including teachers, healthcare workers and clergy are legally required to report suspected abuse immediately. If you suspect abuse, call 1-844-SAVE-A-CHILD.
Collaboration is Essential
Child abuse cases are complex. They require investigative skill, legal precision, medical knowledge and emotional support — all working in alignment through a child-centered approach that prioritizes the safety, well-being, and voice of the child.
Without collaboration:
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Critical information can be missed
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Children may be interviewed multiple times
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Families may feel confused or overwhelmed
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Cases can be delayed or weakened
MDT Oversight Committee
The MDT Oversight Committee exists to strengthen and sustain a coordinated, child-centered response to abuse by guiding the development, implementation and continuous improvement of a statewide model MDT protocol. Through strategic leadership, data-informed evaluation and cross-system collaboration, the Committee ensures that teams operate with consistency, accountability and fidelity to best practices — ultimately improving outcomes for children and families across Arkansas.
Elizabeth Pulley
Executive Director
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas
Tiffany Wright
Services Director
DHS Division of Children & Family Services
Maj. Jeffery Drew
Division Commander
Arkansas State Police
Crimes Against Children
Lynn Waterworth
Assistant Chief
Jonesboro Police Department
Sufna John, Ph.D.
Psychologist
UAMS/ARBEST
Brad Snyder
Sheriff
Greene County Sheriff's Office
Liza Murray, M.D.
Child Abuse Pediatrician
UAMS/ACH Teams for Children at Risk
Brooke Steen
Juvenile Justice Division Director
Administrative Office of the Courts
Sen. Alan Clark
Chair
Child Maltreatment Oversight Committee
Michelle Lawrence
Prosecuting Attorney
APAA - 7th Judicial District
Laura Robertson
Executive Director
Arkansas Comission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence
MDT Oversight Committee Meetings
The MDT Oversight Committee meets quarterly in either an in-person or virtual format. Regardless of format, public attendance is available virtually through a meeting link. Meeting location, details and virtual access information will be posted on the News & Events page.
MDT Oversight Committee Meeting - Oct 2027
Virtual
October 22, 2027
MDT Oversight Committee Meeting - July 2027
In-person
July 23, 2027
MDT Oversight Committee Meeting - May 2027
Virtual
May 21, 2027
MDT Oversight Committee Meeting - Jan 2027
In-person
January 22, 2027