医疗评估

我们的方法

We provide medical evaluation in a safe, child-friendly environment. A medical evaluation holds an important place in the multidisciplinary assessment of child abuse. An accurate and complete history is essential in making medical diagnoses and determining appropriate treatment of child abuse. Because many children are familiar with the helping role of doctors and nurses, they may disclose information to medical personnel that they might not share with investigators. In fact, some children are able to describe residual physical symptoms to medical providers even when no injury is seen. Our specially trained medical professionals coordinate any information gathering with the rest of the MDT to avoid duplication.

National Standards

We meet the CAC accreditation standards of the National Children’s Alliance. Medical evaluations are conducted by health care providers with specific training in child sexual abuse who meet the required training standards. Medical professionals providing services to our clients demonstrate continuing education in the field of child abuse. Medical professionals providing child sexual abuse evaluations to our clients demonstrate that all findings deemed abnormal or “diagnostic” of trauma from sexual abuse have undergone expert review by an “advanced medical consultant.” Specialized medical evaluations for child clients are available on-site or through linkage agreements with other appropriate institutions, agencies, or providers, and are available to all our clients regardless of ability to pay. Documentation of medical findings is maintained by written record and photodocumentation. Medical records storage is HIPAA compliant. The medical records storage is secured, backed up and accessible to authorized personnel in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. MDT Members and CAC staff are trained regarding the purpose and nature of the medical evaluation for suspected sexual abuse. Designated MDT members and/or CAC staff educate children and caregivers regarding the medical evaluation. Findings of medical evaluations are shared with the MDT in a routine, timely and meaningful manner.