What is an MDT?

1. What is a Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)?

A Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) is a group of professionals from different agencies who work together to investigate, assess, and respond to reports of child abuse and neglect.
MDTs help ensure that child abuse cases are handled in a coordinated, thorough, and child-focused way by bringing together law enforcement, child protection workers, prosecutors, medical professionals, advocates, and other specialists.

The goal of the MDT is to improve communication, reduce duplication, and make better decisions for the safety and well-being of children.

2. Why do MDTs exist in Idaho?

Idaho law requires the use of Multidisciplinary Teams to investigate child abuse and neglect cases.
These teams exist to make sure that no single agency is working alone when a child may be in danger.

Child abuse cases often involve criminal investigation, child protection concerns, medical issues, court proceedings, and family services.
MDTs allow these professionals to work together so that cases are handled more effectively and children receive the protection and support they need.

3. What Idaho law requires MDTs?

Idaho Code § 16-1617 requires that each county have a multidisciplinary team to assist in the investigation of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

The law directs the prosecuting attorney in each county to develop a written protocol for the investigation of child abuse cases and to use an interagency multidisciplinary team to carry out those investigations.

The statute recognizes that coordinated investigations help improve outcomes for children and families.

4. Who leads the MDT in Idaho?

Under Idaho law, the county prosecuting attorney is responsible for developing the MDT protocol and overseeing the multidisciplinary team process.

The prosecutor may lead the team directly or designate another qualified person to coordinate the MDT.

In many counties, MDT coordination may be shared with a Children’s Advocacy Center, child protection agency, or another designated professional, but the prosecuting attorney remains responsible for the protocol.

5. Who typically serves on an MDT?

Membership may vary by county, but MDTs commonly include:

Prosecuting attorney or deputy prosecutor

Law enforcement officers or detectives

Idaho Department of Health & Welfare child protection workers

Children’s Advocacy Center staff

Medical professionals

Mental health professionals

Victim advocates

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)

School representatives

Probation or juvenile justice staff

Tribal representatives when applicable

The exact membership is determined by local protocol, but the goal is to include the professionals needed to respond to child abuse cases safely and effectively.

6. What does an MDT actually do?

MDTs typically:

Review child abuse reports

Coordinate investigations

Share information within legal guidelines

Plan interviews and medical exams

Discuss case safety concerns

Coordinate services for children and families

Support prosecution when appropriate

Monitor difficult or complex cases

MDTs may meet regularly to review cases, or they may be called together as needed depending on the county.

7. Does Idaho provide funding for MDTs?

Idaho law requires MDTs, but there is no dedicated statewide funding for MDT coordination, training, or support.

Because of this, MDTs often rely on a combination of:

County resources

Grants

Nonprofit support

Children’s Advocacy Centers

Volunteers

Partner agencies

The Idaho Children at Risk Task Force (CARTF) works to support MDTs by providing training, resources, and technical assistance.

8. What is an MDT protocol?

An MDT protocol is a written agreement that explains how agencies in a county will work together on child abuse cases.

Protocols typically include:

Who is on the MDT

How cases are referred

How information is shared

When MDT meetings occur

Roles of each agency

How interviews and exams are handled

Confidentiality rules

Idaho law requires each county prosecutor to have a written protocol.

9. How can a county improve or rebuild its MDT?

Strong MDTs usually have:

Regular meetings

Clear protocols

Support from the prosecutor

Participation from all required agencies

Ongoing training

Case review procedures

Leadership that keeps the team engaged

The CARTF MDT Resource Hub provides tools, training, and guidance to help counties strengthen their teams.

10. Where can I find training or resources for MDTs in Idaho?

Free MDT resources are available through:

Idaho CARTF MDT Resource Hub

Children’s Advocacy Centers

National Children’s Alliance

Regional Children’s Advocacy Centers

OJJDP / U.S. Department of Justice

Idaho Supreme Court Child Protection resources

Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association

Idaho ICAC Task Force

See the resource pages on this site for links and training opportunities.