§ 20-82-209 — Multidisciplinary teams - Protocols created - Responsibilities - Definition

(a) As used in this section, "multidisciplinary team" means a local team operating under a statewide model protocol developed by the Multidisciplinary Team Oversight Committee. (b) The committee shall: (1) (A) Prepare and issue a statewide model protocol for multidisciplinary teams regarding cases of child abuse and the provision of safety and services to victims of child abuse, who may include child victims of human trafficking. (B) The statewide model protocol shall describe coordinated investigation or coordinated services, or both, of state and local law enforcement, the Department of Human Services, and medical, mental health, and child safety centers; and (2) Review and approve a protocol prepared by each multidisciplinary team. (c) Each multidisciplinary team shall: (1) Develop a protocol consistent with the statewide model protocol issued by the committee; (2) Submit the protocol to the Children's Advocacy Centers of Arkansas for review and approval; and (3) Ensure the timely exchange of relevant information. (d) The Department of Finance and Administration shall contract with the Children's Advocacy Centers of Arkansas to provide support, training, and funding to the multidisciplinary team facilitators. (e) (1) A multidisciplinary team shall have the majority consent for hiring and terminating the multidisciplinary team's multidisciplinary team facilitator. (2) A multidisciplinary team shall consult with the Children's Advocacy Centers of Arkansas concerning the hiring or termination of the multidisciplinary team's multidisciplinary team facilitator.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2021, No. 975,§ 13, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2015, No. 1138,§ 7, eff. 7/22/2015. Acts 2007, No. 703, § 18; 2009, No. 952, § 19.