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The purpose of this Local Commissioners Memorandum (LCM) is to update and remind local departments of social services (LDSS) of the operational standards of multidisciplinary investigative teams (MDT), established and operated in accordance with section 423(6) of the Social Services Law (SSL). Section 423(6) of the SSL was amended by Chapter 574 of the Laws of 2008. The modifications enacted by Chapter 574 took effect on March 24, 2009, and pertain to (1) clarification of the types of cases that should be emphasized by an MDT in determining which cases to investigate, (2) expansion of the possible roles of the MDT, and (3) required membership on such teams. Section 642-a of the Executive Law, Fair treatment of child victims as witnesses, was also amended to update statutory references to correspond to the changes made to the SSL by Chapter 574.
The use of an MDT promotes a more comprehensive investigative approach, reduces the risk of additional trauma to the child(ren), and facilitates the collection of evidence that might be necessary for Family Court and/or for criminal prosecution, if determined to be warranted.
This memo also provides updated information to 06-OCFS-ADM-08, which was issued on December 12, 2006.
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