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Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by FindLaw Staff
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:
(a) a representative from each law enforcement agency within the judicial district;
(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.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - New Mexico Statutes Chapter 32A. Children's Code § 32A-4A-4. Multidisciplinary child abuse teams; establishment; membership; duties - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/nm/chapter-32a-childrens-code/nm-st-sect-32a-4a-4/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.
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