Rapid Response Team

DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT STATE ATTORNEYS – OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL CHILD PROTECTION TEAM POLICE DEPARTMENTS – SHERIFFS’ OFFICES DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN FAMILIES

Rapid Response Team

Rapid Response Team (RRT): A Suggested approach for greater effectiveness and a more cost efficient use of interagency resources in the investigation of multiple victim / multiple suspect cases of child abuse.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Multiple victim cases involve several children who may have been victimized by one or more offenders. Multiple suspect cases involve more than one suspect being named by a child or children as having participated in, or been aware of abuse. An institutional setting may include day care centers, public or private schools, clubs or organizations.

The RRT is a multi-disciplinary team of experts in child abuse, acting in response to complaints of child abuse in cases as described above. The RRT is composed of child abuse experts from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (Crimes Against Children Unit); Child Protection Team (medical, investigative and therapeutic assistance); University of Florida, Department of Pediatrics; Department of Children and Families (Protective Investigations and Licensing); State Attorney’s Office (Prosecutor); Office of the Attorney General (Victim Services) and sheriffs and/or local police agencies.

The primary goal of the RRT is to provide consultation to any Florida agency involved in the investigation of a multiple victim / multiple suspect child abuse case.

The primary objectives of the RRT are:

1. To foster a child-and-family-centered focus for investigation, thereby:

a. lessening the degree of emotional conflict and distress experienced by the child and family.
b. increasing the sensitivity to the child’s developmental and emotional needs.
c. encouraging greater cooperation from child and family members.

2. To minimize the number of different interviewers necessary to gain information from the child.

3. To prevent the abuse of other potential victims.

4. To increase the effectiveness of prosecution.

5. To assist in the definition and clarification of roles, tasks and responsibilities.

6. To provide information and training regarding dynamics unique to multiple victim / multiple suspect child abuse cases.

The RRT could be activated through notification at the onset of a multiple victim / multiple suspect case. The following are proposed steps for engaging the RRT:

1. Initial Request For Consultation
2. Immediate Crisis Review
3. Immediate Crisis Response
4. Consultative Services
5. Regular RRT Staff Review

Occasionally, cases of this type are not identifiable from the onset. In such circumstances, it is recommended that the CFS investigator notify the District Administrator immediately upon recognizing that the case may be appropriate for RRT involvement.

Attempting to assess the magnitude of the problem with inexperienced personnel or too few investigators may contribute to the failure of an investigation, poorly addressing the social and emotional needs of children and families and foreshadowing an unsuccessful prosecution. A resource such as the RRT would help to alleviate these problems, providing a more positive outcome for victims, families and the professionals involved in such cases.

If you are interested in obtaining more information regarding the RRT, please contact:
Special Agent Terry Thomas, FDLE
Crimes Against Children Program
(850) 410-8585

If you have a case that might require RRT assistance, please call the Florida Abuse Registry at 1-800-96-ABUSE or 1-800-342-0820.