HOW WE HELP
Multi-Disciplinary Team
Police, child welfare, prosecutors, medical and mental health professionals, advocates, and our schools work as one team, so a child only has to tell their story once.
Multi-Disciplinary Team
A multi-disciplinary team, or MDT, is a child-focused partnership of professionals who respond to child abuse together, with one unified, trauma-informed approach. Instead of sending a child and family from agency to agency to tell their story over and over, the MDT brings everyone together so children receive comprehensive care while the stress of navigating the system is kept as low as possible.
One coordinated team
This is the heart of the Child Advocacy Center model, and it is why the Tree House exists: so that no child has to tell their story more than once.
Bringing the team together this way matters for three reasons:
- It protects children. Coordinated care reduces the number of times a child has to recount a painful experience.
- It strengthens the case. Combining expertise from law enforcement, medical, legal, and clinical professionals supports a stronger, fairer legal process.
- It surrounds families with support. Children and caregivers receive holistic help, including medical care, mental health services, and advocacy, all in one coordinated place.
Every case is reviewed and addressed by a specialized team. Here is who comes to the table for a child at the Tree House.
Law Enforcement
Investigates reports of child abuse and gathers evidence to protect the child and pursue justice.
Child Welfare Services
Evaluates a child's safety at home and determines the protective steps that may be needed.
Medical Professionals
Conduct forensic medical exams to assess a child's health, collect medical evidence, and support well-being.
Mental Health Professionals
Offer trauma-informed counseling that helps children and families heal.
Prosecutors and legal advocates
Work to hold those who cause harm accountable and guide families through the judicial process.
Forensic interviewers
Conduct child-friendly, non-leading interviews that let children share their experience in a safe, supportive setting.
Victim advocates
Provide guidance and emotional support to families, making sure they understand and can reach the resources available to them.
Montgomery County Public Schools
Notice signs of abuse early so children who disclose at school get timely help and ongoing educational support.
What makes the Tree House MDT unique
School district integration. Most MDTs do not directly include school personnel. The Tree House's collaboration with Montgomery County Public Schools means earlier identification, smoother intervention, and continuous support for students affected by abuse.
A trauma-informed, child-centered approach. The team works to ease the stress on children and families throughout the investigation and recovery. Every child is met with compassion, care, and a team committed to their long-term well-being.
Coordinated care under one roof.
From medical exams to legal advocacy, the Tree House provides comprehensive services in one place, so children do not have to retell their stories again and again.
Our partners
Multi-disciplinary team partners
At the heart of the Tree House is the Multidisciplinary Team, or MDT. These are the agencies that come together for every child, so that medical care, investigation, therapy, and advocacy all work as one.
Our core partners include:
- Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services
- Montgomery County Police, including the Special Victims Investigation Division
- Office of the State's Attorney for Montgomery County
- Montgomery County Office of the County Attorney
- Montgomery County Child Welfare Services
Together, this team handles roughly 90% of all forensic interviews in Montgomery County, so a child only needs to tell their story once.
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You do not have to face this alone
When your family is ready for ongoing support, the Tree House is here, free of charge. If you think a child needs help, we are here. Families and community partners can start a referral, and our team will guide you through w
