MDT/CAC Assignment

This advertisement is to serve as public notice. The New York State Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) has been approved to do a contract assignment from Albany County to START Children's Center, Inc. to continue the services as the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) and work with the Multi-Disciplinary Team in Albany County. Per the NYS Social Service Law 423 there can only be one MDT/CAC Team per county. New York State Social Services Law Section 423 requires all counties to use an MDT approach or a joint response with law enforcement to investigate reports alleging physical abuse, sexual abuse, fatalities, and cases where a child has been physically harmed after two prior reports by mandated reporters within the previous six months. New York State Social Services Law 423-a establishes CACs that provides, among other things, sound program, fiscal, and administrative practices as well as inter-disciplinary protocols. Each MDT/CAC provider are required by New York State to meet the program standards or components to be a fully functioning CAC. Without funding to sustain MDT/CAC programs, child victims of abuse in their respective counties may not receive the necessary robust services and coordinated MDT response. The team members have to all agreed and signed letters of commitment to support START Children’s Center Inc. and are approved by OCFS. The START Children’s Center Inc. has been serving the children and families of Rensselaer County and is in good standing with their contract. They have the capability to expand their services, and the willingness to serve Albany County.