NCJ Number
165911
Journal
Virginia Child Protection Newsletter Volume: 45 Dated: (Summer 1995) Pages: 8-9,11
Date Published
1997
Length
3 pages
Annotation
For many abused children, the point of entry for intervention is the hospital emergency room; hospital emergency room staff should be prepared to suspect a diagnosis of child abuse, evaluate the child, report to child protection services, develop a medical treatment plan, and make referrals as part of discharge planning.
Abstract
Hospitals should respond to child abuse by providing a team approach, consistent 24-hour care, assistance to investigating agencies, and medical management of the child. A triage approach is suggested that includes physicians, case managers, and social workers. The medical history and examination should include several steps: initial medical history and social assessment, physical examination and testing, and investigative interviews of children and families. Nursing, social work, and medical students should be educated in how to deal with child abuse cases. Hospitals play a major role in the diagnosis and management of child abuse cases, particularly in the areas of case consultation and advice, comprehensive evaluation, treatment and referral, and the provision of feedback to social service and police departments.