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Disciplinary Response Team Center to open
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Posted on Oct 20 1999
On Friday, Oct. 22, 1999 at 9:30 a.m., the Multi Disciplinary Response Team Center will have its soft opening at the Government Quarters 1202 in Capitol Hill (down the hill from the Civil Service Commission).
The objective of the MDRT is to coordinate the work of the Departments of Public Safety, Public Health, the Division of Youth Services, the Public School System and the Office of the Attorney General in investigating and prosecuting cases of sexual abuse of children and women.
By working together through the MDRT, these government entities can limit the number of interviews to which a victim is subjected, cooperate to gather the forensic evidence needed to prosecute the perpetrator, and as a result, increase the likelihood of a conviction in court.
In less than a year, the concept of establishing an MDRT in the CNMI has become a reality. Since the first conference held in September 1998, the MDRT has been able to execute a Memorandum of Understanding between the government entities, establish a policy-making committee, obtain VOCA grant funding for basic start-up costs, designate and remodel a facility, obtain initial training on forensic interviewing and prosecution of sexual abuse cases, and apply for an additional $40,000 in grants.
The MDRT would like to take this opportunity to share its successes with the community. A tour of the facility will be provided and light refreshments will be served.
