New Mexico Statutes 32A-4A-4. Multidisciplinary child abuse teams; establishment;
membership; duties.
Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes 32A-4A-4
- Victim advocate: work with prosecutors and assist the victims of a crime.
A. The following persons shall comprise a multidisciplinary child abuse investigation team in each judicial district in the state:
(1) the district attorney of the judicial district in which the team is created and established, or the district attorney’s designee;
(2) a representative from the protective services division of the children, youth and families department, appointed by the director of the division or the director’s designee;
(3) a representative from a center that exists in the judicial district in which the team is located; and
(4) the following members, appointed by the agency head or designee of the following agencies:
district;
(a) a representative from each law enforcement agency within the judicial (b) medical personnel with expertise and certification in pediatric sexual assault, child physical abuse and neglect identification or treatment;
(c) a mental health service provider with training and experience in evidence- supported trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy; and
(d) a family or victim advocate from an agency designated for advocacy services in that judicial district.
B. The following multidisciplinary child abuse investigation team members shall be present before a forensic interview can take place:
(1) the center’s forensic interviewer; and
(2) when available and as appropriate:
(a) a representative from law enforcement; and
(b) the representative from the protective services division of the children, youth and families department.
C. A multidisciplinary child abuse investigation team shall:
(1) develop a written protocol for the investigation and prosecution of cases of child abuse and neglect in accordance with each member agency’s requirements;
(2) convene on a regular ongoing basis, at least every other month, for the purpose of conducting case tracking, case review and general business and considering proposed modifications to the team’s existing protocol; and
(3) train and provide technical assistance to team members, agencies and medical providers that investigate child abuse and neglect cases.