Consists of a complete and thorough medical history from the child (if verbal) and caregivers and a head to toe physical examination, including the anogenital area. The evaluation may also include diagnostic laboratory tests, radiology studies and photo-documentation of findings, if applicable.

 Purpose:

• To assess the physical, developmental, behavioral and mental health of the child and identify unmet needs
•  To evaluate the child’s clinical findings or injuries and determine if such findings are physical evidence of abuse or from a non-abuse related medical condition
• To screen for sexually transmitted infections (STI), when appropriate, to diagnose and treat if an infection is identified and then to interpret the significance of such infections for investigatory agencies
•  To answer questions about the child’s physical wellbeing, and possible prognosis or outcome and provide recommendations for treatment
•  To provide accurate documentation for legal purposes and explain to investigatory agencies, a lay jury and judge the results of the evaluation and medical opinion as to the likelihood of abuse. Also, in the absence of physical findings, provide expert opinion or testimony to explain this lack of medical evidence.

A child 11 years of age or younger presenting within 72 hours or an adolescent presenting within 96 hours from an incident of sexual assault require an emergent exam for evidence collection (formerly known as a rape kit) and to identify, document and assess anogenital injuries.  This evidentiary exam is usually conducted in hospital emergency rooms by trained hospital staff or a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE).

A SANE with a pediatric designation/certification (SANE-P) is a registered nurse who has received education and clinical training in the collection of forensic evidence, and treatment of the immediate needs of the sexually assaulted pediatric and adolescent victim (17 years of age and younger).

At the request of the SC Department of Social Services (DSS), upon entering the Foster Care System, a child receives a comprehensive medical evaluation to assess his/her physical and mental health as well as developmental and behavioral needs.

A physician with training, experience and skills in evaluating children who may be victims of abuse or neglect.  After graduation from medical school, the Child Abuse Pediatrician must complete:

• Three or four years of residency training in the medical care of children.
• Three years of fellowship/subspecialty training in child abuse pediatrics.
• Obtain certification for the subspecialty from the American Board of Pediatrics.

Child abuse pediatricians often work within a multidisciplinary team that includes other healthcare providers, hospital staff, child protective service agency workers and law enforcement personnel to gather information and make sure that all agencies involved understand the medical concerns related to the child.  They  carefully review information about the child and why the concern for abuse exists.  An evaluation may include, as well, speaking to professionals involved in the care of the child, such as the child’s primary care doctor, subspecialty physician, and/or therapist.

In addition, child abuse pediatricians often testify in court to help a judge and jury understand a child’s medical concerns and injuries (or lack of) and what they mean.

A physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant who has completed the training standards set forth by the program to participate in the delivery of medical evaluations for child abuse and neglect. These providers come from specialties such as General Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine or Acute Primary Care. Properly training these providers to perform forensic medical evaluations for non-complex physical and sexual abuse cases and participate in court proceedings takes an average of six (6) to twelve (12) months.

A multidisciplinary, child-centered approach to the investigation, assessment and treatment of suspected child victims of abuse through the coordinated provision of forensic interviews, medical evaluations, mental health assessments/ counseling, victim advocacy services and case review.

The cornerstone of the Children’s Advocacy Center. A group of professionals from specific disciplines – Law Enforcement Agencies, Child Protective Services case workers, medical providers, mental health providers, victim advocates and prosecutors who collaborate from the point of report and throughout a child and family’s involvement with the judicial system.

Who Should You Refer for a Medical Evaluation

1. Consent for Medical Diagnosis and Treatment (For Spanish Form here)
2. Consent for Authorization and Release (For Spanish Form here)
3. Child Health Questionnaires:
   • Health Questionnaire Age 0-12 (For Spanish Form here)
   • Health Questionnaire Age 13 and Above (For Spanish Form here)
   • Adolescent Behavioral Questionnaire (For Spanish Form here)

Guide for How to Contact CAP for Child Fatality Review Committee