Coordinated Treatment Center
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Child Protection Program
What is child abuse? Child abuse is defined as non-accidental trauma to a child, such as physical beatings and assault, emotional abuse and/or failure to give a child adequate protection from physical harm. Another form of child abuse is sexual abuse. Sexual abuse means a child has been exploited by an adult for personal gratification. This includes sexual molestation, sexual assault, child pornography and child prostitution. Many adults who were abused children tend to abuse their own children, causing the abusive behavior to be passed from generation to generation. However, abusive behavior is learned behavior and can be changed. People who abuse their children usually love them.
Signs of child abuse
Child abuse isn't always easy to identify and a single symptom doesn't necessarily indicate child abuse. Typical signs of child abuse include:
- Physical marks, bruises, welts, scars, burns and fractures regularly seen on the child's body.
- Regression of behavior, such as loss of bladder control, thumb sucking and/or clinging to an adult.
- Dirty and/or torn clothing, need for glasses, need for immunizations, body odor, dental decay.
- Arriving late for school or repeated school absences without valid reasons.
- Reluctance to go home after school
- Low self-esteem, which may cause problems communicating and learning.
- Behavior characterized by passiveness, compliance and daydreaming.
- Parents blaming the child for injuries which they have inflicted.
- Parents constantly criticizing the child and seldom touching him or her.
Child abuse can be prevented by:
- Attending parenting classes offered by the Children's Hospital at MeritCare Medical Center or other agencies.
- Teaching children about appropriate and inappropriate touching of their body.
- Seeking help if you need it. Call a social service agency, the local Parents Anonymous Chapter, your community HotLine, a chapter of the National Committee Preventing Child Abuse, a friend or a co-worker.
The team approach
The Child Abuse Program at MeritCare Children's Hospital provides a team treatment approach to the diagnosis and prevention of child abuse. In addition, the Children's Hospital staff work with child care agencies, law enforcement officials and social service agencies to educate the public about child abuse and its prevention.
The team of specialists
The Children's Hospital has a multidisciplinary diagnostic team who diagnose and treat victims of child abuse. Team members include:
- Two pediatricians
- A family practitioner
- A pediatric social worker
- A child psychologist
- A child psychiatrist
- A pediatric nurse
- Interview specialist
- Other medical specialists who can help with diagnosis and treatment including pediatric orthopaedics, radiology, etc.
Program offerings
The Child Abuse Program offers:
- A medical evaluation for sexual abuse, including video colposcopy.
- Diagnostic interviewing of the abused child by team members when necessary. Interviews will be videotaped upon request.
- Expert testimony in court cases.
- Referrals to community agencies for appropriate treatment.
- Cooperation with county social service departments and other local agencies to provide supportive services.
Referrals
For more information or to make an appointment, call MeritCare Coordinated Treatment Center, MeritCare Medical Center (800) 828-2901 or (701) 234-6600. You may also call MeritCare Clinic Pediatric Department (701) 234-2431 or MeritCare Emergency Department (701) 234-5121
MeritCare Children's Hospital
The Child Protection Program is a program of MeritCare Children's Hospital, a specialty hospital within MeritCare Medical Center. MeritCare Children' Hospital is a 58 bed medical and surgical facility designated for the diagnosis, treatment and care of infants, children and adolescents. It is the only Children's Hospital in North and South Dakota which meets the strict criteria for full membership and is also the principal pediatric referral center for the tri-state area.