What is it.
This study examines how multidisciplinary team functioning relates to team performance within Child Advocacy Centers otherwise known as CYACs in Canada. This study examined twenty-one Child Advocacy Centres in one U.S. state, and surveyed 433 multidisciplinary team members from law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, medical, mental health, and victim advocacy sectors. While multidisciplinary team collaboration is central to the CYAC model, little quantitative research has tested how affective (e.g., liking, trust and respect), behavioural (e.g., coordination), and cognitive (e.g., clear direction) aspects of team functioning influence performance and service delivery.
How can it help me?
This study provides actionable insight into which aspects of multidisciplinary team functioning most strongly support effective performance in Child Advocacy Centers in the United States. The findings help CYAC leaders focus on improvements where they matter most by identifying specific teamwork dimensions (i.e., trust, psychological safety, coordination, and shared goals) that are associated with stronger performance and more consistent mental health screening and referrals. The results support targeted investments in multidisciplinary team facilitation, training, and coordination practices, rather than relying on informal collaboration alone, helping strengthen service quality and alignment with best practices in CYACs.