Section 5-705 - Local child fatality review teams - Established. - Maryland Statutes

§ 5-705. Local child fatality review teams - Established.
 

(a)  Establishing teams.-  

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, there shall be a multidisciplinary and multiagency child fatality review team in each county. 

(2) Instead of a local team in each county, two or more counties may agree to establish a single multicounty local team. 

(3) A multicounty local team shall execute a memorandum of understanding on membership, staffing, and operation. 

(b)  Multidisciplinary and multiagency membership.- The local team membership shall be drawn from the following individuals, organizations, agencies, and areas of expertise, when available: 

(1) The county health officer; 

(2) The director of the local department of social services; 

(3) The State's Attorney; 

(4) The superintendent of schools; 

(5) A State, county, or municipal law enforcement officer; 

(6) The director of the county substance abuse treatment program; 

(7) The chief attorney who represents the local department of social services in child welfare proceedings; 

(8) The Early Childhood Development Division in the State Department of Education; 

(9) The director of the county mental health agency or core service agency; 

(10) A pediatrician with experience in diagnosing and treating injuries and child abuse and neglect, appointed by the county health officer; 

(11) A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in child abuse and neglect or child injury, appointed by the director of the county mental health agency or core service agency; 

(12) A member of the general public with interest or expertise in the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect, appointed by the county health officer; and 

(13) Any other individual necessary to the work of the local team, recommended by the local team and appointed by the county health officer. 

(c)  Designation of representatives.- The members described under subsection (b)(1) through (9) of this section may designate representatives from their departments or offices to represent them on the local team. 

(d)  Chairperson.- From among its members, each local team shall elect a chairperson by majority vote. 
 

[1999, chs. 355, 356; 2006, ch. 44.]