Study of child abuse multidisciplinary centers/teams funded by the state.

              INTERIM STUDY REPORT
A & B Human Services
Rep. Ron Peters, Chairman
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Interim Study 11-036, Rep. Ron Peters
September 22, 2011
Study of Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Centers/Teams funded by the state
Sherri Snyder
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Oklahoma
Sherri.snyder@cacok.com
o Reviewed the history of the Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Account (CAMA) signed into
law in 2000.
o Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) provide a child-friendly environment where law
enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, and medical professionals can share
information about a child abuse case and develop effective, coordinated strategies to
address it.
o In 2010, CACs served 5,881 children; 72% of whom had been sexually abused.
o The Advocacy Centers are accredited by the National Children’s Alliance, which is a
well established system with rigorous criteria. In 2010 the Alliance adopted new
standards regarding initial trainings, peer reviews and ongoing education.
o Oklahoma has 20 accredited CACs, which is the highest number, per capita, in the nation.
Two are based in district attorneys offices and 18 are independently established.
o When reviewing past events, such as the deaths of Ryan Luke and Kelsey Briggs, it
appears the system has the same problems it had ten years ago.
o Need to build on the current CAC and Freestanding Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)
approach and create a system of checks and balances. We should create a system where
joint investigative services are conducted routinely.
AJ Griffin
Member, Child Abuse Training and Coordination Council
o In 1990 the Legislature created the Child Abuse Training and Coordination Council
(CATCC) to provide comprehensive training across the state especially directed at law
enforcement, child welfare workers, etc. in best practices. CATCC training may be the
only training available in certain areas of the state.
o There are 25 counties with a functioning multidisciplinary child abuse team; 18 counties
with a nationally accredited CAC, and two counties are developing a MDT.
o Free standing teams may be located within a CAC or they may partner with a CAC, but
not be co-located. Each team determines what is more appropriate given the needs of the
community. Both CACs and MDTs provide unique and valuable services.
o There are four minimum standards for Multidisciplinary Teams:
1. Joint investigations and interviews involving law enforcement and child welfare.
2. Training-encourage the professional development of team members through
training.
3. Monthly and quarterly team meetings.
4. Submit required data, annual team survey and financial accountability statement
to the CATCC.