What is a child abuse evaluation?
It’s a pediatric visit at our child-friendly clinic where children and their parents or caregivers can meet with our team about any concerns of abuse or neglect. The visit includes medical care, family support, and child interviews. The appointment goes at the child or youth’s pace, and they can make lots of choices throughout – including ending their visit.
Services for Children
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A head-to-toe check-up by a doctor or nurse practitioner who specializes in child abuse pediatrics. No part of the exam is ever painful. (The number one question we receive from our littlest patients is, “Will there be shots?” and the answer is always, “No shots, we promise.”) Any medical indications of abuse are documented. Equally important, children are encouraged to be active participants in their own healthcare, to ask questions about their bodies and receive reassurance.
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Children (typically four and older) can sit down with an interviewer who is trained in talking with kids in a child-friendly, developmentally appropriate way about any concerns. Interviews are recorded and observed by CARES Northwest staff and community partners involved in the case. This helps reduce the number of times children need to share their experiences with others and helps preserve evidence.
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Child abuse and the resulting investigation affects the entire family, and our team is here to help them cope with the discovery of abuse and navigate the next steps. A family support team member will provide helpful information, resources and referrals, and ongoing support to parents and caregivers during and after their child’s appointment. We are here for the child and their family every step of the way.
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Children can heal from abuse, especially with support and the right tools. Our counselors help children develop coping skills, process their feelings, and move forward. Parents and caregivers also learn tools to support their child’s healing. Our evidence-based therapy approaches include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Alternatives for Families: a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT).
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CARES Northwest offers trainings to community groups, schools, organizations, and businesses. We focus on violence prevention - helping adults create safe environments for youth and empowering youth to have healthy relationships with others. We also train professionals in child maltreatment, trauma, mandatory reporting, problematic sexual behavior, and more.
Want to know what next steps your community group can take to addressing and preventing child abuse and violence?