The first Child Protection Team was established in 1978 by Florida Statutes based on the premise that the causes, identification, and treatment of child abuse are complex and require the expertise of many professionals working as a multidisciplinary team.
The Broward County Child Protection Team (CPT) is operated by the Crisis Intervention and Support Division and is a group of professionals who provide services and expertise in evaluating alleged incidents of child abuse and neglect. Nationwide, at least one in seven children experienced abuse or neglect last year (Centers for Disease Control). The Team assesses risk factors and provides recommendations for interventions to protect children and improve the family’s ability to provide a safer environment when possible. In 2022, CPT provided services for over 1,600 children.
The Team consists of
Medical Director
Team Coordinator
Manager
Psychologist
CPT primarily receives referrals from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and law enforcement agencies for children who are alleged victims of abuse and neglect and who require evaluation.
Services provided include
Psychological evaluations
Psychological consultations
Multidisciplinary Team Staffings
Community education
Court testimony and deposition
The Child Protection Team operates on a 24/7 basis, with staff responding to requests from law enforcement and child protective investigations for emergency assessment services.
To report child abuse, contact the Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-2873 or 1-800-96-ABUSE
For investigation of child abuse and neglect, contact the Florida Department of Children and Families
(myflfamilies.com)