Child Abuse Response Team Bill Passes Senate

A special team of expert child abuse investigators to help local law enforcement handle difficult cases would be created by a bill approved unanimously by the Senate on Thursday. Senate Bill 1800, by Sen. Jonathan Nichols, R-Norman, would establish the Child Abuse Response Team (CART) within the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

“The CART team would augment the efforts of local law enforcement, providing an enhanced level of expertise in investigating child abuse cases,” said Nichols. “This team will be comprised of the best in their field, dedicated to making sure that those who would abuse a child in Oklahoma are found out, prosecuted and prevented from inflicting further harm.”

The team would include persons experienced in emergency child abuse or neglect response, forensic evidence, medical or psychological evidence and other specialty areas. The CART team could be called in by other law enforcement when the need arises, similar to the way a SWAT team or Hazmat crew would be called upon when specialized skills are needed to address an emergency situation.

The CART team would coordinate its efforts with the Child Abuse Training and Coordination Council, the Department of Human Services, and the multi-disciplinary child abuse teams that assist the state’s district attorney offices.

“We’ve heard far too many heartbreaking stories in the news about abused children who fell through the cracks in the system,” said Nichols. “The expertise and specialized skills of the CART team could make all the difference in the life of a child that needs our help.”

The bill will next be heard the Oklahoma House of Representatives.