MDT stands for Multidisciplinary Team. Virginia uses a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach to respond to allegations of child abuse and neglect. The MDT’s overall goal is to complete the investigation in a child friendly, timely, and professional manner. Virginia’s MDTs include (at a minimum) professionals from the Department of Social Services, the child advocacy center (CAC), local law enforcement, the local Commonwealth’s  Attorney’s Office, Mary Washington Healthcare, and Rappahannock Area Community Services Board. 

The MDT consists of social workers, detectives, prosecutors, forensic interviewers, advocates, and medical and mental health professionals. All of these professionals are sensitive to the difficult and confusing time that you and your child may be experiencing. The MDT response is a collaborative effort which allows these professionals to better coordinate services for you and your family while your child’s allegation of abuse is under investigation. Each member has different responsibilities. The social worker from the Department of Social Services must assess the safety and protection of your child. The detective is from the location where the alleged incident occurred, and along with the prosecutor will determine if a crime has been committed and what other investigative steps must be taken. The forensic interviewer will conduct an interview with your child at the request of one of the MDT members. Advocates will assist you and your family throughout the process and will work to connect you and your family with needed resources and services. Medical professionals and mental health professionals will attend to the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of your child upon referral.