Professionals

What is a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)?

Multidisciplinary Teams provide a coordinated inter-agency approach to enhance the investigation and management of child abuse cases. Through a collaborative effort the team aims to:

1. Ensure that prompt and appropriate actions are taken to assure the safety of the child
2. Reduce the impact of trauma for the child
3. Minimize the number of required interviews for the child
4. Facilitate recommended medical, mental health, and victim advocacy referrals
5. Eliminate duplication of services
6. Increase the likelihood of successful prosecution of offenders
7. Provide support for non-offending caregivers
8. Promote cultural sensitivity

The two MDTs that are associated with the SCCAC are the Ansonia/Milford and New Haven MDTs.

How to Make a Report of Child Abuse

How to Report
Mandated reporters must verbally report to the Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) Careline or a law enforcement agency within 12-hours of suspecting that a child has been abused or neglected and must submit a written report (DCF-136 form) to DCF within 48-hours of making the report.

Where to Call
The Department has a single point of contact statewide for the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect. The Child Abuse and Neglect Careline operates 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone who suspects that a child has been abused or neglected or is in danger of abuse or neglect is strongly encouraged to call the Careline (1-800-842-2288).

Who Must Report
Connecticut law requires certain citizens to report suspected child abuse and neglect. These citizens are referred to as mandated reporters. They are people in professions or occupations that have contact with children or whose primary focus is children. For a complete list of mandated reporters click here.

What Must Be Reported
Mandated reporters are required to report or cause a report to be made when, in the ordinary course of their employment or profession, they have reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child under the age of 18 has been abused, neglected or is placed in imminent risk of serious harm. For more information click here.

Resources

Darkness to Light offers programs that raise awareness about child sexual abuse by educating adults about the steps they can take to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse. For more information visit d2l.org.

LOVE146 is an international human rights organization working to end child trafficking and exploitation through survivor care, prevention education, professional training and empowering movement. For more information visit love146.org.

Stop It Now prevents child sexual abuse by engaging adults, families and communities to take action before a child is hurt. Hotline: 888-PREVENT (773-8368) or visit stopitnow.org.