Program manager Britney Gassner presented OCCY’s annual review of freestanding multidisciplinary teams (FSMDTs) to the commission on Sept. 1, explaining statutory purposes, coordinator responsibilities, case‑staffing procedures and a statewide snapshot of activity.
Gassner said 38 freestanding teams now serve 46 counties and that, during the reported state fiscal year, teams staffed cases concerning about 4,677 children. She described common contributing factors (substance abuse, domestic violence, mental illness) and noted that many cases require cross‑agency joint investigations.
On training and capacity, Gassner reported 27 training events comprising 93 sessions (64 unique sessions) and 223.75 hours of continuing education provided to team members; 23 local trainers and 15 national trainers participated across virtual and in‑person formats.
Gassner outlined a new database developed for coordinators to record staffing, track training and pull statistical reports in real time; pilot teams provided positive initial feedback. She said OCCY requested and is awaiting an opinion from the Attorney General’s office about use of personally identifiable data and that rollout will proceed once the legal review and user agreements are finalized.
Funding: Gassner said the FSMDT appropriation was increased this year (described as roughly doubling), and she anticipated functioning teams would see funding rise to about $30,000 per team. The commission voted to approve the functioning status and contracting process for the teams; staff will begin contracting after approval.