Child Abuse Program
The Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters Child Abuse Program offers children a safe and nurturing environment in which to begin the healing process in the aftermath of abuse and neglect. The program provides compassionate diagnostic, assessment and treatment services and seeks to coordinate the efforts of various community agencies working together on behalf of the abused child. The CHKD Child Abuse Program begins the healing process through an innovative program than honors the abused child's need for safety, dignity and privacy.
Coordination of Community Efforts
Child abuse is a complex problem. Professionals in medicine, mental health, Child Protective Services, law enforcement, prosecution and victim advocacy may all have a role in the process of stopping the abuse. In the past, suspected victims of child maltreatment often had to visit each of these agencies separately and repeatedly.
The CHKD Child Abuse Program minimizes stress on the child by coordinating the efforts of all six disciplines. This coordination begins with the interview process. Interviews are conducted in a safe, child-friendly setting by staff members who understand the fears and anxieties of abused children. A two-way mirror eliminates the need for several adults to be present in the interview room. Interviews may be videotaped or digitally recorded so that children may only have to recount the history of the abuse one time.
Comprehensive Patient Care
Case managers from the Child Abuse Program work with the referring agency to determine the service needed for each child.
During the initial call, a case manager will complete an interview to determine whether the program is an appropriate place for the child. If so, the necessary services will be scheduled and coordinated.
The staff at the CHKD Child Abuse Program will often use a combination of services to assess the needs of the child and the family. Based on this assessment a treatment plan will be developed that best meets their needs. Services offered by the program include:
- Forensic Interviews
- Extended Forensic Evaluations
- Psychological Testing
- Forensically Sensitive Long-term Therapy
- Forensic Medical Evaluations
- Foster Care Medical Examinations
- Parenting Capacity Evaluations
If the Child Abuse Program is not the appropriate place for the child, the child will be referred to the appropriate resource in the community.
Referral Process
The Child Abuse Program accepts referrals from investigative agencies and other approved community agencies/sources that deal with child maltreatment. Referrals for evaluations are accepted from the following sources:
- Department of Social/Human Services
- Law Enforcement
- Offices of The Commonwealth's Attorney
- Office of The City Attorney
- The Judiciary
- Military Family Advocacy and Domestic Violence Units
- Military Investigative Services
- FBI
Direct referrals for medical evaluations from health care providers are accepted if the following criteria are met:
- Acceptance of referrals will not subject a child to unnecessary repetitive medical exams.
- Medical evaluation is determined to be appropriate by the Medical Director or designee.
Improvements in Assessment, Intervention and Treatment
The Child Abuse Program partners with the Eastern Virginia Medical School to discover new knowledge regarding medical and psychological assessment, intervention and prevention of child abuse.
For more information please call (757) 668-6100.