​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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. 
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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
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  • bullet-point fa-duotone fa-folder-medicalMedical Director
  • bullet-point fa-duotone fa-screen-usersTeam Coordinator
  • bullet-point fa-duotone fa-person-simpleManager
  • bullet-point fa-duotone fa-head-side-medicalPsychologist
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  • bullet-point fa-duotone fa-user-nurse-hair-longNurse Practitioners
  • bullet-point fa-duotone fa-user-doctor-hairClinical Supervisors
  • bullet-point fa-duotone fa-briefcase-blankCase Coordinators
  • bullet-point fa-duotone fa-buildingOffice Support Specialists
​​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
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  • bullet-point fa-duotone fa-suitcase-medicalForensic medical examinations
  • bullet-point fa-duotone fa-hand-holding-medicalMedical consultations (review of medical records)
  • bullet-point fa-duotone fa-people-arrowsSocial Assessments
  • bullet-point fa-duotone fa-clipboard-questionSpecialized interviews
  • bullet-point fa-duotone fa-magnifying-glassForensic interviews
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  • bullet-point fa-duotone fa-head-side-medicalPsychological evaluations
  • bullet-point fa-duotone fa-head-side-medicalPsychological consultations
  • bullet-point fa-duotone fa-screen-usersMultidisciplinary Team Staffings
  • bullet-point fa-duotone fa-booksCommunity education
  • bullet-point fa-duotone fa-gavelCourt testimony and deposition
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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) ​ 

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