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.

History: Laws 2019, ch. 134, § 4.

Effective dates. — Laws 2019, ch. 134 contained no effective date provision, but, pursuant to N.M. Const., art. IV, § 23, was effective June 14, 2019, 90 days after the adjournment of the legislature.