Riverside County Child Assessment Team
Memorandum of Understanding
2025
RIVERSIDE COUNTY CHILD ASSESSMENT TEAM
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Contents
... 3
I. PURPOSE
II. DEFINITIONS ...3
III. CAC MODEL OVERVIEW... ....4
...4
III. GOALS
IV. UNDERLYING PHILOSOPHY... ...5
V. RESPONSIBILITIES ...5
A. LAW ENFORCEMENT .. 5
B. DPSS CHILDREN'S SERVICES DIVISION (CSD). .... 6
. 7
C. DISTRICT ATTORNEY (DA).... ...
D. VICTIM SERVICES.
E. COMMUNITY-BASED-ORGANIZATION VICTIM ADVOCACY 8
F. RIVERSIDE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM- MEDICAL CENTER (RUHS Medical Center) . 9
G. RIVERSIDE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (RUHS Behavioral Health).. ... 10
H. PERSONNEL .. 11
VI. COLLABORATION AND COORDINATION OF EFFORTS. .. 12
A. JOINT RESPONSE GUIDELINES .. 12
B. RCCAT MDT STEERING COMMITTEE .. 12
C. RCCAT MDT CASE REVIEW.... .. 13
D. RCCAT MDT EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP ...14
E. CASE TRACKING... ... 15
F. ACTS AND AMENDMENTS.. .. 15
VII. GENERAL PROVISIONS ... 16
A. CONFIDENTIALITY .. 16
B. MODIFICATION OF TERMS.... ...16
C. TERMINATION ... 16
D. COMMENCEMENT/EXPIRATION DATE... ...16
E. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.. .. 16
EXHIBIT A... .. 17
EXHIBIT B .. 18
RCCAT MDT MEMBER AGENCY SIGNATURES .. 19
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to state the goals, clarify the underiying philosophy, and delineate the roles of the responsible agencies that comprise the Riverside County's child abuse multidisciplinary team, including the commitment of each agency to the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) model. It also describes the general structure for coordinated investigation and treatment for children that are the victims of child abuse and neglect.
The agencies participating are: the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Police Departments located in Riverside County, Riverside County Department of Public Socia Services-Children's Services Division, the RCCAT Center located at the Riverside University Health System Medical Center (RUHS Medical Center), Riverside University Health System Behavioral Health (RUHS Behavioral Health), Non-Government Advocacy Agencies, and the Riverside County District Attorney's office, including their Victim Services Division.
This MOU establishes a child abuse multidisciplinary team (MDT), as defined in Welfare and Institutions Code Section 18961.7, to permit the sharing of confidential information among the included agencies to investigate and respond to reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. Each individual agency, in coordination with one another, will establish and maintain their own internal procedures and policies for accomplishing the goals of the CAO model. Agencies may execute operational agreements to further define mutual goals and activities between them.
Riverside County is committed to the National Children's Alliance (NCA) Child Advocacy Center (CAC) Model to provide evidence-based practices to children and families that experience the trauma associated with child abuse and neglect through interagency collaboration and cooperation. The RCCAT Center is an Accredited Member of the NCA and supports the NCA vision statement that we will have success when every eligible child has access to the services of an accredited CAC.
II. DEFINITIONS
A. CAC: Child Advocacy Center.
B. CSD: Riverside County Department of Public Social Services -Children's Services Division.
C. DA: County of Riverside District Attorney.
D. HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.
E. Law Enforcement: Any law enforcement agency, such as the Sheriff's Department and police departments in Riverside County.
F. MOU: Memorandum of Understanding.
G. MDT: Multidisciplinary Team.
H. NCA: National Children's Alliance.
I. RCCAT: Riverside County Child Assessment Team.
J. RCCAT Center or Center: Riverside County Child Assessment Team Center, the County-based CAC serving Riverside County, primarily areas west of Cabazon, operated through RUHS Medical Center.
K. RUHS Behavioral Health: Riverside University Health Systems Behavioral Health.
L. RUHS Medical Center: Riverside University Health Systems Medical Center.
III. CAC MODEL OVERVIEW
The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) model promotes a trauma-focused, team-based, and ollaborative approach to improve the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of chil buse while providing comprehensive support to children and families who are victims o abuse and neglect. The primary goal of the CAC model is to ensure children are not further traumatized by the intervention systems designed to protect them.
Riverside County's Accredited CAC, the RCCAT Center, is located at the RUHS Medical Center and offers forensic interviewing, medical examinations, victim and family advocacy, and clinical therapeutic services in a single, child-friendly, safe, and neutral location.
III. GOALS
Riverside County is committed to the CAC Model in order to provide a coordinated, skilled, and multidisciplinary response to reports of child abuse and neglect. The goals of this approach are to:
1. Minimize additional trauma during the investigation and intervention process. . Improve coordination among law enforcement, child protection, medica roviders, mental health professionals, prosecutors, and victim advocates
3. Enhance service delivery by providing consistent, high-quality services to victims and their families through a streamlined, centralized process.
4. Strengthen prosecution outcomes and child protection efforts through improved communication, information sharing, and evidence-based practices.
5. Ensure timely access to mental health care, advocacy, and other supportive services for victims and their families.
6. Reduce duplication of efforts and unnecessary repetition of interviews, assessments, and interventions across multiple agencies. ...:28:
IV. UNDERLYING PHILOSOPHY
The California Peace Officer Standards and Training Guidelines for investigating child abuse, child sexual abuse and exploitation state that "With little or no evidence to corroborate the child's statement, the criminal justice system must rely on the skill of the law enforcement officers handling the investigation to provide the necessary information leading to successful prosecution of the offender," and a "child abuse investigation can be very complicated and labor intensive." (CA Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, 2021, available at:
https://post.ca.gov/Portals/0/post_docs/publications/Child_Abuse_Investigation.pdf).
All officers involved in child abuse investigations should have adequate training in child abuse investigative techniques, including the proper method of interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects. They should also be sensitive to the dynamics of child abuse investigation, as well as the possible repercussions. These statements regarding peace officers apply equally to other agencies involved. Therefore, it is assumed through this MOU that all agencies involved will commit to providing specially-trained staff to participate in these investigations.
It is also a principle of this MOU that each agency involved has equal, sometimes overlapping, but also distinct responsibilities in their mandate to investigate and respond to child abuse referrals/cases.
It is agreed that these overlapping but distinct responsibilities can be met through coordinated and collaborative efforts. This can be achieved through Riverside County's MDT, with the development of this MOU and interagency protocols, such as the "Riverside County Protocol for the Interagency Investigation of Child Abuse and Neglect", and through the establishment of the RCCAT Executive Leadership, RCCAT MDT Steering Committee, and MDT case reviews to monitor the implementation of those protocols.
By entering this MOU, each MDT Agency agrees to make efforts to enact a standard of care and practice that supports the MDT approach to providing services through the RCCAT Center and assist in meeting applicable statutory NCA accreditation requirements. Each agency agrees to demonstrate cultural competence and the capacity to appreciate, understand, and interact with members of diverse populations within Riverside County.
V. RESPONSIBILITIES
It is mutually understood and agreed by and between the agencies that each agency agrees to be responsible for the following:
A. LAW ENFORCEMENT
Riverside County Sheriff's Department
Police Departments within Riverside County
The first responsibility of Law Enforcement is the protection of children. Law Enforcement is solely responsible for the criminal investigation of reported child abuse, the collection of evidence, and the submission of the investigation to the District Attorney's (DA) Office for criminal complaint consideration.
Law Enforcement will recognize the cooperative entities involved in this MOU to meet the standards of a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) as identified in Section 11167.5 of the Penal Code and Section 18951 of the Welfare and Institutions Code and will release information only in accordance with the requirements of those provisions.
Where a child needs protection and the investigating officer has determined there is probable cause to support an arrest warrant, Law Enforcement will consider arresting the alleged perpetrator of abuse. Where there are different opinions about an abused child's/children's protection needs, Law Enforcement and CSD will pursue joint decision making, as outlined in the "Riverside County Protocol for the Interagency Investigation of Child Abuse and Child Neglect." Cooperation is critical and the professional opinion of all team members will be considered keeping in mind the least restrictive placement, and above all, the best interest of the children.
Sheriff's Department/Law Enforcement agencies agree to:
1. Cooperate in joint investigations with the member agencies as described herein, including the attempt, whenever possible, to collaborate with CSD and the DA on those cases involving severe physical abuse, child deaths, in-home child sexual abuse, or any case that requires forensic medical and interview services.
2. Be responsible for secure storage of all evidence.
3. Serve as RCCAT MDT members; require staff to participate in MDT activities.
MDT member responsibilities are outlined in Exhibit A.
NOTE: Any local law enforcement agency may join this MOU at any time. See Section VII. General Provisions, Subsection B. Modification of Terms.
B. DPSS CHILDREN'S SERVICES DIVISION (CSD)
Riverside County Department of Public Social Services- Children's Services Division (CSD)
The primary responsibility of CSD is the protection of children from abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation by their parents) or guardian(s) through the provision of social services to children and their families and/or through the commencement of Juvenile Court dependency proceedings under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 300, et seq.
Regarding Juvenile Court proceedings, CSD is responsible for the filing of the Application for Juvenile Court Petition and timely documentation for subsequent Court proceedings.
Refer to the "Riverside County Protocol for the Interagency Investigation of Child Abuse and Child Neglect" and Riverside County CSD's policy and procedures for the investigation of allegations of abuse, pre-placement preventative efforts, and removal of children from the care and custody of the parents) and/or guardian(s).
CSD agrees to:
1. Assign sufficient staffing (proportionate to demand and workload) of Children's Social Service Practitioner IIIs to the RCCAT Center to provide forensic interviewing services and serve as MDT members. They may be stationed or provide interviewing at the RCCAT Center's main site at RUHS Medical Center or off-site locations throughout Riverside County (including but not limited to Project Kids in Corona and Hemet House in Hemet). For the purposes of participating in the RCCAT Center, those serving these roles will be referred to as Forensic Interviewers. Interviewer staffing numbers shall be re-evaluated as needed.
2. Allow the Forensic Interviewers to attend necessary training opportunities to support and maintain their qualifications to serve in this function including the Child Forensic Interviewer Training and ongoing education at a minimum of 8 hours every 2 years. If needed, provide financial support for travel, such as registration, accommodation, and transportation.
3. Allow the RCCAT Center Administration to coordinate and manage the forensic interview process and the daily schedule of the interviewers at the Center.
4. Serve as an RCCAT MDT member; require staff to participate in MDT activities. MDT member responsibilities are outlined in Exhibit A.
C. DISTRICT ATTORNEY (DA)
Riverside County Office of the District Attorney
The DA will review all criminal cases submitted by Law Enforcement to determine whether to file criminal charges, to refer the case back to Law Enforcement for further investigation, or to decline to file criminal charges.
The DA will communicate in a timely manner to Law Enforcement the outcome of each review. Feedback will be encouraged between both agencies, and input will be welcomed from all pertinent RCCAT agencies on pretrial case disposition.
The final decision on case disposition, however, is the responsibility of the DA's office.
The Office of the DA agrees to:
1. Provide case consultation as necessary to the MDT team members.
2. Designate a Deputy DA who will provide consultation services after hours to Law Enforcement and CSD staff referring cases of child sexual or physical abuse based on the DA's policies and procedures.
3. Actively represent the prosecuting agency for identified cases of suspected child sexual abuse, physical abuse and/or neglect.
Serve as an RCCAT MDT member; require staff to participate in MDT activities. MDT member responsibilities are outlined in Exhibit A.
D. VICTIM SERVICES
Riverside County District Attorney's Office, Division of Victim Services The Division of Victim Services agrees to:
1. Accept referrals from the RCCAT Center and MDT agencies to provide services to victims of crime that are outlined in PC 1385.5 and support the victims' rights listed in Marsy's Law. Victim Services advocates will ensure victims are informed and supported throughout the criminal justice process.
2. Support mandated services that are available to all victims of crime such as:
• Reasonable notifications regarding case status
• Court escort
Assistance with victim impact statements to the court
Restitution
Crisis intervention
• Orientation to the criminal justice system
Direct paraprofessional counseling
• Resources and referrals
3. Share information only allowed by law and network to ensure victims are educated to the resources available to them.
4. Serve as an RCCAT MDT member; require staff to participate in MDT activities. MDT member responsibilities are outlined in Exhibit A.
E. COMMUNITY-BASED-ORGANIZATION VICTIM ADVOCACY
NORA, REACH the Valley, and SAFE/Family Justice Center (FJC) Victim Advocacy agencies provide advocacy services for child victims and their parents/caretakers as needed. Services may include crisis intervention, orientation Victim Advocacy Partners agree to:
1. Provide victim support and advocacy services as included in operational agreements.
2. Ensure all families have access to services and referrals from all members of the team.
4. While funded to support Child Abuse Therapeutic Treatment, provide qualified mental health providers (as outlined in NCA Standard 6- Mental Health) trained in evidence-based mental health treatment for children who have experienced trauma from abuse. These individuals will participate in ongoing education at a minimum of 8 hours every 2 years.
5. Serve as an RCCAT MDT member; require staff to participate in MDT activities. Member responsibilities are outlined in Exhibit A.
F. RIVERSIDE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM- MEDICAL CENTER (RUHS Medical Center)
The RUHS Medical Center maintains primary responsibility for the RCCAT Center, which provides forensic interviewing and medical examination, victim and family advocacy and support, and clinical therapeutic services to children and their families.
RUHS Medical Center agrees to:
1. Provide one (1) Medical Director and qualified health care professionals as designated by the Medical Director to provide consultative, training, and administrative services in the development of an integrated system of child abuse and neglect evaluations throughout Riverside County.
2. Provide one (1) Administrative Services Manager who will serve as the Director of the RCCAT Center.
3. Provide sufficient staff to accomplish service provision in accordance with the CAC model. Staff includes, but is not limited to, Social Service Practitioner(s), Healthcare Social Services Supervisor, Medical Assistants) and/or LVN(s), and Office Support Staff. Staffing should be re-evaluated as needed.
4. Serve as an RCCAT MDT member agency; require staff to participate in MDT activities. MDT member responsibilities are outlined in Exhibit A.
Provide an adequate physical location for services performed by the RCCAT Center that meet the NCA Standards for CAC accreditation.
6. Provide MDT partner agencies with relevant training opportunities in evidence- based and trauma-informed practices focused on issues for investigation, prosecution, and service provision to children, caregivers, and families.
7. Adhere to all relevant requirements contained in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Public Law 104-191, enacted August 21, 1996, and the laws and regulations promulgated subsequent thereto.
G. RIVERSIDE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (RUHS Behavioral Health)
Specialized mental health services must be made available as part of the CAC model team response, either at the RCCAT Center or through coordination with other treatment providers.
The MDT's written protocols and agreements include: the role of the mental health professional in the RCCAT Center including case tracking and review; provision for attendance by a mental health professional at clinic and MDT case reviews; provisions regarding sharing relevant information with the team while protecting the client's right to confidentiality.
RUHS Behavioral Health agrees to:
1. Provide sufficient staffing of full-time Clinical Therapists trained in, at minimum, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to the RCCAT Center to provide clinical therapeutic services and serve as MDT members.
They may be stationed at or provide services at the Center's main site or off- site locations throughout Riverside County (including but not limited to Project Kids in Corona). Therapist staffing levels should be re-evaluated as needed.
2. Support further training in evidence-based modalities and tools for the Clinical Therapists as identified and supported by National Children's Alliance.
3. Provide mental health crisis intervention treatment as needed.
4. Provide Mental Health Assessments or refer to a RUHS Behavioral Health clinic for services.
5. Provide evidence-based, trauma-focused mental health treatment to 10-20 children (and may include their caregivers), on an ongoing basis.
6. Link the rest of the children assessed to mental health providers as per need for mental health treatment.
7. Provide linkage and treatment for family/siblings as needed.
8. Serve as an RCCAT MDT member; require staff to participate in MDT activities. MDT member responsibilities are outlined in Exhibit A.
9. Adhere to all relevant requirements contained in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Public Law 104-191, enacted August 21, 1996, and the laws and regulations promulgated subsequent thereto.
H. PERSONNEL
MDT Agency personnel assigned to the RCCAT Center, as described in agency responsibilities above, shall be qualified to perform their assigned functions. Each MDT Agency agrees to be responsible for the ultimate supervision, control, and compensation of its personnel. The Center will communicate information to each 4DT Agency to maintain personnel documentation, such as time sheets, studies rofessional development plans, and performance evaluations. Each MDT Agenc agrees to ensure that MDT Staff assigned to the Center possess all qualifications, licenses, and other certificates required under Federal and State law, necessary to carry out that person's duties and responsibilities.
All personnel assigned to the RCCAT Center agree to adhere to the RUHS Medical Center's standards of employee conduct, including all applicable rules, policies, and regulations. To the extent of any inconsistency with an MDT Agency's Personnel Rules or Collective Bargaining agreements, the provisions of the Agency's personnel documents shall control.
In the exercise of their respective rights and obligations under this MOU, each MDT Agency shall act in an independent capacity, and shall not be considered the officer, agent, or employee of the other. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Center Administrator, or designee, shall manage the day-to-day operations of the RCCAT Center, including providing general oversight and direction to MDT Agency personnel assigned to the RCCAT Center in coordination with the MDT Agency's assigned supervisor and manager.
In the event of a dispute, the issue will be brought to the RCCAT MDT Steering Committee for consideration and resolution following approved RCCAT policies and procedures. If necessary, resolution will be requested at the RCCAT MDT Executive Leadership level.
VI. COLLABORATION AND COORDINATION OF EFFORTS
A. JOINT RESPONSE GUIDELINES
The purpose of a joint investigation is to gather information needed by Law Enforcement and CSD simultaneously so that both agencies may carry out their mandated responsibilities with minimum trauma to the child victim resulting from multiple interviews and/or agency contacts. This coordination further demonstrates Riverside County's MDT agencies' commitment to the CAC model.
In joint investigations where criminal conduct is suspected, Law Enforcement will have the lead investigative responsibility for the criminal matter, while CSD has authority granted by the Welfare and Institutions Code to act to protect children within the legal The CSD or Law Enforcement agency receiving a report of suspected child abuse will contact the other appropriate agency, as appropriate, and coordinate the response.
When an investigation is begun by a single agency and information obtained either prior to or during the investigation indicates that a joint forensic interview is needed, the agency conducting the investigation will request the absent agency to attend and observe the forensic interview.
During the interview, the Forensic Interviewer will gather appropriate information needed by all agencies to be involved in the case (criminal, social, medical) and the information obtained will be shared as needed.
The role of the Forensic Interviewer is to obtain information following interview guidelines set forth by California Forensic Interviewers Training (presented by the Child Abuse Training and Technical Assistance Center of the Center for Innovation and Kesources, Inc.), evidence-based practice, and local protocols. The well-being of the child and the need to obtain information in a legally sound manner must be balanced.
The MDT partners will participate in the bi-annual review of the Riverside County Protocol for the Interagency Investigation of Child Abuse and Neglect. Revisions will be made as necessary, and each agency agrees to adopt the Protocol into their policies and procedures.
B. RCCAT MDT STEERING COMMITTEE
The purpose of the RCCAT MDT Steering Committee is to provide a working forum to improve communication, teamwork, and processes among the MDT members who share the common goal of protecting children in Riverside County. The goal of strengthening Riverside County's MDT approach to child abuse investigation and response for the best outcomes for children can be reached through reviewing, updating and creating:
a. Discussion of what is working well and what can be improved among our b. Practices and policies to ensure trauma-informed and efficient MDT work c. Data collection and outcome measurements, improve methodologies as identified
d. RCCAT MDT MOU, Protocol for Interagency Investigation of Child Abuse, and accreditation standards to ensure agreements are met.
For issues not resolved by the RCCAT MDT Steering Committee, the MDT Agencies agree to report unresolved policy and practice issues to their respective agency' administrations for Executive resolution
The RCCAT MDT Steering Committee will:
1. Be comprised of a representative from each MDT Agency who holds a position of mid-manager level or above within the agency; for law enforcement, a Sergeant or above.
2. Be chaired by the RCCAT Center Administrator or designee.
3. Implement the policies approved by the RCCAT Executive Board.
4. Make recommendations to the RCCAT Executive Board on matters pertinent to the effective operation of RCCAT, the Center, and execution of the Riverside County Protocol for the Interagency Investigation of Child Abuse.
Meet at least bi-monthly, unless otherwise agreed upon, at a location determined by majority vote of the Board members.
C. RCCAT MDT CASE REVIEW
MDT case reviews can impact case decisions and outcomes; therefore, it is critical that the case review process is facilitated, comprehensive, and timely. This approach will maximize the quality of response and services to children and families. MDT ase reviews should include a positive climate that supports diversity and recognize hat no one agency can meet all of the needs of the case or the family. Facilitation o case review should focus on full participation, mutual understanding, and shared responsibility and the purpose of facilitating collaborative case discussion to better inform the team's decision making and coordinate client intervention to reduce potential trauma, improve services, and meet the mandates of each our agencies.
An MDT case review will occur at least monthly with the purpose of ensuring that all members of the team involved in the investigation and disposition of that case are fully informed of the circumstances surrounding the case to make informed decisions and improve client outcomes. Without all team members present, the collaborative response to child abuse suffers. At minimum, a participant who is actively working on the case under review from each of the following agencies shall attend: Law Enforcement, CSD (including applicable forensic interviewer), DA, RUHS-BH, Victim Advocacy, and the involved Child Advocacy Center professionals. When additional agencies are involved, participants pertinent to the MDT discussion will
also be invited to attend. Confidentiality is addressed at the start of each MDT case review and is included in written form on the sign-in sheet.
The RCCAT Center Administrator, or designee, will send all relevant team members an electronic appointment with the date, time, and location of the MDT case review meeting. If it is impossible for a member to attend, Center personnel can communicate the case review outcome with any absent member. Improved understanding of the recognition and dynamics of all types of abuse and neglect is an integral part of the case review. The Center provides education related to the focus case at each MDT case review to team members.
The RCCAT Center is also responsible for conducting weekly Center case reviews of all children seen at the Center for the purpose of ensuring all services and referrals have been provided or planned for the case. At minimum, representatives participating in the RCCAT Center case review include Medical, Behavioral Health, Victim Advocacy, CSD forensic interviewer, and Center Social Service Practitioner or designee.
The RCCAT Center case reviews include the sharing of basic investigation, exam and/or interview outcomes, assessment of the social service and victim advocacy needs of the child and family, development of effective case strategies, problem solving, and a mechanism to make sure each victim and family is provided with all relevant Center services, referrals, and follow-up as needed.
D. RCCAT MDT EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
The RCCAT MDT Executive Leadership implements basic sound administrative policies and fiscal operations.
The RCCAT MDT Executive Leadership will be comprised of a Director from each MDT Agency, or mid-manager level or above designee (for law enforcement, a designee at Captain level or above), and the Chief Executive Officer of Riverside County.
RCCAT MDT Executive Leadership is to include, at minimum, all agencies involved in the protection, prevention, investigation, service provision, treatment, and health care for children in Riverside County.
The RCCAT MDT Executive Leadership agrees to:
2. Set policy and provide for the overall direction, oversight, and support of the RCCAT Center and the MDT protocols and practices.
3. Endeavor to identify and secure varying sources of revenue and support to ensure continuity and sustainability of Center operations, including public and private funds, grants, sponsorships, donations and endowments.
4. Not alter any MDT Agency's responsibilities under this MOU unless reduced to as an and ment i this daproved by cach MDT Agency's authorizing body
5. Establish ad hoc or standing committees, as needed, to carry out specific tasks and advise the Board on matters pertinent to the effective operation of the Center.
E. CASE TRACKING
1. Comprehensive case tracking provides a mechanism for monitoring progress, aggregate information, and trends. Sharing of this information among the MDT partners will better inform individual and collective decision-making, ensure accurate updates to children and families, and inform quality improvements in coordinated service delivery.
2. The RCCAT Center will:
a. subscribe to and maintain a CAC-specific database for monitoring services provided, tracking case outcomes, and compiling aggregate data for RCCAT.
b. produce reports compiling information from all child abuse cases referred to the CAC to maintain our accredited status with the National Children's Alliance and VOCA funding. These reports will be shared with the MDT Steering Committee and Executive Leadership during regularly held meetings.
c. provide CSD a monthly report of the workload statistics for the Forensic Interviewers.
3. Each MDT member agency:
a. agrees to provide case updates and/or dispositions, when possible, to further case and outcome tracking efforts of the RCCAT Center.
b. may obtain case-specific and/or aggregate data by contacting the Center Director.
c. Commits to track required and agreed-upon case-specific or aggregate information to help inform and guide the MDT.
F. ACTS AND AMENDMENTS
Each member of the MDT will:
1. Act in compliance with the standards set forth in:
a. California - Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, ("CANRA"), codified at California Penal Code §§ 11164-11174.3
b. California Welfare and Institutions Code §§305- 324,5 - Dependent Children— Temporary Custody and Detention.
c. California Welfare and Institutions Code §18961 Child Abuse Prevention, Intervention, and Treatment Projects.
d. Any other laws and regulations pertinent to the reporting, investigation, assessment, evaluation, and prosecution of child abuse and neglect. e. The National Children's Alliance Standards for Accredited Members. The current version of NCA Standards accessed
http://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org
2. Support each other in complying with required laws and regulations.
3. Develop and implement protocols for RCCAT operations and procedures.
4. Agree to amend this MOU in writing and signed by all agencies.
VII. GENERAL PROVISIONS
A. CONFIDENTIALITY
All agencies agree to maintain the confidentiality of all client data shared at the MDT in accordance with the California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 18961.7.
B. MODIFICATION OF TERMS
Modifications within the scope of this MOU shall be made by mutual consent of the agencies through the issuance of a written modification, signed and dated by all agencies, prior to any changes being performed.
Any local law enforcement agency may join this MOU at any time. The addition of an agency shall be provided in writing and carried out by all participating departments and/or agencies.
C. TERMINATION
Any agency may terminate its participation in this MOU at any time by giving thirty- day advance written notice to all other members of the MOU.
D. COMMENCEMENT/EXPIRATION DATE
This MOU is effective upon the last date signed and shall automatically renew annually nless terminated as provided herein in Section VII. General Provisions, Subsection ( 'ermination by all MDT members. The MOU will be reviewed annually, revised a needed, and signed by all MDT agencies' signatories every 3 years.
E. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This MOU constitutes the entire agreement between the agencies hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and all prior or contemporaneous agreements of any kind or nature relating to the same shall be deemed to be merged herein.
EXHIBIT A
RCCAT MDT MEMBERS' RESPONSIBILITIES
The Riverside County Child Assessment Team (RCCAT) is Riverside County's accredited is this approach facilitates efficient interagenc
od mimics a, i immated sharil, an decision making; collaborative involvemen c key individuals; and support, services, and advocacy for children and families that come to the attention of RCCAT.
In addition to the agency agreements set out in the MOU, Section V. "Responsibilities," there are agreements that are universal for all agencies involved in this MOU as listed below.
The RCCAT MDT member agencies agree to:
Support the MDT approach of providing services through the CAC model, including MDT case review, and agree to assist in maintaining RCCAT's status as an Accredited Child Advocacy Center of the National Children's Alliance (NCA) by participating in activities that uphold the NCA's Standards for Accredited Members.
2. Share and receive pertinent case information within the MDT to assist in the investigation and response to reports of suspected child abuse or neglect by the various MDT members. Case information will be shared in a timely manner and in in eciate to elegant state at hid a fog vach, an a t respond to the
3. Whenever possible, provide service and case outcome updates to the centralized emer so that to let and outcome rely or by mine
(as required for NCA accreditation and possible funding sources).
4. Serve as a member of those committees deemed appropriate and necessary by the members for the effective and efficient oversight of the CAC including the RCCAT MDT Executive Leadership and the RCCAT MDT Steering Committee.
Assigned personnel should have necessary level to be involved with decision making.
5. Support training of agency personnel, including interagency training, on current and relevant topics including evidence-based and trauma-informed practices.
EXHIBIT B
RUHS MEDICAL CENTER FORENSIC MEDICAL PROVIDERS
SCOPE OF SERVICES AND DELIVERABLES
The forensic medical providers dedicated to the Riverside County Child Assessment Team (RCCAT) Center agree to be responsible for providing:
1. Direct assessment (through forensic medical provider examination and interview) and diagnostic services for children referred to the RCCAT Center for an evaluation of child abuse or neglect. Services may include, but are not limited to:
a. Outpatient examination and/or consultation at RUHS Medical Center on cases of egrested child alicisc pinary Team al my etailure to thrive as required and b. Inpatient consultation at RUHS Medical Center on cases of suspected or actual child abuse and/or physical neglect/failure to thrive as requested by MDT members and ordered by attending physician.
c. Forensic medical provider services to meet the evaluation and evidentiary needs of MDT members for all referred child abuse and neglect cases. d. Verbal consultation on RCCAT cases with MDT members, such as Children's Services Division staff, Law Enforcement personnel, and District Attorney staff. e. Referral of children for additional testing and diagnostic services as related to the assessment of child abuse or neglect by the forensic medical provider. Follow-up and routine care will be referred to the patient's primary care physician as appropriate.
2. Written assessment reports for children who received examinations wherein either the circumstances of the abuse, the evidentiary requirements of the case, or the request of the referring agency necessitate production of said written report. Timelines of such reports should be in accordance with statutory requirements.
3. Expert percipient witness testimony as required and requested by MDT members.
4. Clinical case review and forensic pediatric instruction on selected RCCAT cases at regularly scheduled MDT case review meetings.
5. Child medical forensic assessment services in compliance with the medical standards of patient care for forensic pediatric practice as outlined in the California Office of Emergency Services protocols and the National Children's Alliance (NCA) Medical Evaluation Standard for an accredited Child Advocacy Center.
RCCAT MDT MEMBER AGENCY SIGNATURES
RCCAT MDT MEMBER AGENCY SIGNATURES
X 05/05/2026 X-Vie 05/05/2026
Ched Biance (May 5, 2028.12:51-05 PDT) cent Arla (May: 5, 2026 1323:03 PDT) Chad Biarico, Sheriff -4424 Hamex Chief of Police•
Riverside County Sheriff's Department Banning Police Department Vince Ayata Vincent Avila
X-CHR 05/05/2026 X Rsbert Neuman 05/05/2026
Sean Thuilicz, Chief of Police Robert Newman, Chief of Police Beaumont Police Department Corona Police Department •
Christopher Ramos
X:CL X
s Chief of Police -Patricichvatsh, Chief of Police
Hemet Police Department Menifee Police Department
Michäel Arellano Chris Karrer
X Hatt Henry 05/05/2026 X
a Fony Conrae, Chief of Police Larry Gonzaiez, Chlef of Police Murrieta Police Department Riverside Police Department
Matthew Henry
X X Chaity Pages 05/05/2026
Toile Lane, Chief of Potse asayori Baldwir, Director
riversogo calona, Rieade Polte Depar... Riverside County Department of Public Social Se...
Charity Douglas
X X llayle Hepner 06/05/2026
Michael Hestrin, District Attorney Gayle Hepner, Director Riverside County Office of the District Attroney REACH, Hemet Valley
RCCAT MDT MEMBER AGENCY SIGNATURES
X Dec 16, 2025
Adrienne Lamar-Snyder, Director Jennifer Cruikshank, Chief Executive Officer Riverside Area RaperErisis Gentor RUHS Medical Center
NORA
X X
Matthew Chang, Director Jeff Van Wagenen, Chair of RCCAT Executive Bo...
RUHS Behavioral Heath CEO, County of Riverside
APPROVED AS TO FORM: 05/05/2026
Mo 6, 2026 18NC 31 ED
Minh C. Tran
County Counsel Marshall Hami Hon, Executive Dineto
By:
SAFE Family Justice Centers
::
Dec 12, 2025
Martha ratsen, Deputy County Counsel
Greggou
Signature:
Email: [email protected]
RCCAT MDT 2025 MEMBER AGENCY SIGNATURE
Citv of Riverside
Interim City Janager , Edward Enriquez
Attest:
Donesia Gause, City Clerk
Approved as to form:
PaPlal
Deputy City Attorney