Child Abuse Assessments

A Resource to Keeping Children Safe

CHRISTUS Health strives to be a resource to keeping children safe. We provide comprehensive assessments and evaluations for suspected child abuse or neglect on a referral-only basis. The goal of our assessments is to provide accurate and complete medical information to agencies investigating child abuse and to identify any needs of the family that may improve the child's health and safety. In addition, we provide families with referrals to appropriate resources so they can fulfill these needs.

Assessments & Evaluations

Complete Physical Exam

We do a thorough medical examination to determine any injuries that the child may have. If necessary, the doctor may order lab work, x-rays or any other tests needed to confirm or rule out abuse.

Forensic Photo-Documentation

Our medical team will document photos of skin findings including bruises, lacerations, scars, and skin markings that may be confused with trauma. This documentation is then used to help confirm or rule out abuse.

Psychosocial Evaluation

When needed, our child protection team will conduct psychosocial evaluations of the child, parent, sibling, caregiver or witness of abuse.

Diagnosis & Reporting

Our doctors will provide the Child Protective Services caseworker with a complete report of the findings. That report will help CPS make the best decision for that child's safety and well-being.

Court Testimony

When necessary, our professionals testify in court to explain their findings and to help the jury or judge make important decisions about the child's health and safety.

Additional Services

We offer additional services, including short-term counseling, physician consultations, mental health staffing, physical abuse and neglect staffing, as well as inpatient consultations.

Type of Child Abuse

Neglect

Neglect is the failure to provide for a child's basic needs. Whether these needs are physical, educational, or emotional. The failure to provide food, water, or appropriate supervision, the failure to educate a child or meet special education needs, the failure to provide emotional support, or exposing the child to abuse are all forms of negligence.
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Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is a physical injury resulting in any physical action that harms a child. The injury can range in levels of severity, from minor bruises to severe fractures or death. Injuries like these are considered abuse even if the caretaker did not intend to hurt the child. In some cases, a serious injury may occur when a parent has inappropriately left a child in a dangerous situation; these incidents should be reported to child protective services or law enforcement.
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Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse includes any sexual activity with a child, such as fondling, penetration, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure and commercial exploitation through the prostitution of pornographic materials.
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Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is any pattern of behavior that impairs a child's emotional development or sense of self-worth. This may include constant criticism, threats, rejection or withholding love and support. Exposure to domestic violence can also result in emotional abuse of children.
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Meet Our Team

Child Abuse Pediatrics