IF YOU SUSPECT CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT, PLEASE CALL THE ARKANSAS CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE 1.844.SAVE.A.CHILD OR 1.800.482.5964

AR•MDT

Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) is the child abuse response team.

A child abuse response team comprised of a multidisciplinary group of professionals from diverse organizations who are trained and equipped to work together as part of a coordinated response to child abuse.

Team Members Include:

  • Arkansas State Police | Crimes Against Children Division
  • DHS | Department of Child and Family Services
  • Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline
  • Prosecuting Attorneys
  • Law Enforcement Professionals
  • Juvenile Probation and Division of the Circuit Courts
  • Mental Health Professionals
  • Medical Professionals
  • Children’s Advocacy Center Staff
  • AR•MDT Facilitators
  • Other MDT Members

Over 1,350 child abuse response professionals representing diverse disciplines serve on Arkansas' MDTs.


Why is an MDT important?

An MDT works together to help child abuse victims:

  • Reduce trauma for child victims
  • Improve outcomes for children and families impacted by abuse
  • Work efficiently and reduce duplication of efforts between agencies

Arkansas MDT Project

In 2021, legislation shifted operational responsibility of the Arkansas MDT Project to CACar to align and bolster community-level resources between the MDTs and the local child advocacy centers.

MDTs exist in 64 counties in Arkansas.

MDT Facilitators tend to the relationships, communication and accountability of the MDT while fostering an inclusive environment to improve outcomes for children and families impacted by abuse.

There are 38 dedicated MDT Facilitators.

VISION

We envision the MDT as the leaders in innovative and collaborative child abuse response whereby ALL children enjoy their right to be protected from abuse and neglect and have access to ALL services through our coordinated efforts.


VALUES

  • Above all else, the child comes first.
  • Every child matters. Every service matters. Every member matters.
  • Collaboration and coordination is essential.
  • Uniqueness is powerful.
  • Demonstrating trust.

The Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline receives 65,000 calls every year.

When a child victim is identified, the MDT team in the child’s county will collaborate its efforts to meet the child’s need for safety, healing and justice.

ALL reports of severe child maltreatment are directed to an MDT to activate the collaborative efforts on behalf of the child.