§ 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.

HISTORY: 1999, chs. 355, 356; 2006, ch. 44.