Child Abuse Pediatrics
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Child abuse can and does happen in your community. Unfortunately, child abuse is more common than you think. The abuse is all too often carried out by trusted individuals, and its innocent victims are the most precious resource we have — our children. Here at MeritCare, help and support is provided through this troubling time by offering services and treatment in a child-friendly environment that is a safe atmosphere for children and families.
Understanding Child/Adolescent Maltreatment
Maltreatment is a term used to describe all forms of child/adolescent abuse and neglect, including:
- Physical abuse (including non-accidental head trauma)
- Sexual abuse (including child pornography)
- Medical abuse (including fictitious medical problems in children)
- Neglect (including failure to provide for a child's safety and physical needs)
- Psychological/emotional abuse (including rejection and threats)
- Drug-endangerment (exposure)
Services Provided
MeritCare's Child/Adolescent Maltreatment Services (CAMS) provide treatment for children who have been victims of abuse and neglect. CAMS provides:
- Child-friendly exams and medical evaluations for sexual abuse, including photo documentation and colposcopic evaluation.
- Forensic medical evaluation for other abuse types, including photo documentation and ordering of test or x-rays, if needed.
- Evaluations involving child pornography.
- Expert testimony in court cases.
- Referrals to agencies, including social services, mental health and law enforcement.
- Education for other medical and community agencies regarding diagnosis, treatment and prevention of child abuse.
- Telephone consultation to medical providers, law enforcement, schools, child protection services and hospital emergency departments.
Team Approach to Care
MeritCare Child/Adolescent Maltreatment Services (CAMS) offers a team approach to diagnosis, treatment and prevention of abuse. As the medical partner working with Red River Children’s Advocacy Center (RRCAC), MeritCare provides medical evaluations, treatment and recommendations. The CAMS team includes:
- Medical doctors, nurse practitioners and nurses with special training in forensic pediatrics.
- Child life specialists who help children deal with their feelings and fears.
- Other medical specialists who can help with diagnosis and treatment, including pediatric orthopedists, pediatric psychiatrists/psychologists, radiologists and social workers.
- Multidisciplinary team members from the RRCAC partnership.
Child-Friendly Facility
Offices are located in a professional, yet comfortable facility. Special care has been taken to create a child-friendly environment. The RRCAC and CAMS accommodate the members of the multidisciplinary team and provide a safe atmosphere for children and families.
Health Library
Learn more about the child abuse and maltreatment in the health library.