FSMDT Program Receives Grant for Child Abuse and Neglect Training
By Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - The Freestanding Multidisciplinary Teams program at the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY) has been awarded a grant of $62,838 from the Oklahoma Advisory Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect. This grant, funded by the Children's Justice Act, will support vital trainings for professionals aimed at addressing child abuse and neglect within the state.
"We are incredibly grateful for the support provided by the Oklahoma Advisory Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect," said Brittany Gassner, Program Manager of the Freestanding Multidisciplinary Teams Program. "This grant will enable us to further our mission of safeguarding the welfare of children who have experienced abuse and neglect. We are committed to utilizing these funds in a manner that maximizes their impact and contributes to meaningful change in our community."
The grant will finance critical initiatives throughout fiscal year 2025, overseen by the Freestanding Multidisciplinary Teams Program at OCCY. In addition to providing free of charge training opportunities, the program will implement task force recommendations to enhance effectiveness, including refining curriculum selection processes and exploring hybrid or virtual training formats.
As part of the grant agreement, the Freestanding Multidisciplinary Teams Department will provide quarterly program performance reports to the Center on Child Abuse and Neglect.
For further information on the Freestanding Multidisciplinary Teams Program and its training opportunities, please contact Brittany Gassner at (405) 606-4919 or brittany.gassner@occy.ok.gov.
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About OCCY's Program for FSDMTs: Established in 1997, Freestanding Multidisciplinary Teams (FSMDTs) investigate child abuse cases statewide, collaborating with district attorney offices. Since 2007, OCCY's FSMDTs department has overseen teams, ensuring compliance and offering financial support, uniting professionals from law enforcement, child welfare, mental health, healthcare, and prosecution. Managing the Children's Justice Act Grant for training and facilitating continuous training through the Board of Child Abuse Examination (BCAE), the department sets procedures for forensic evaluators for juvenile competency hearings, reinforcing their commitment to child protection and legal integrity.