All Medical Evaluations are performed by trained medical professionals with pediatric experience and child abuse expertise. The exams take place in a warm, child-friendly examination room. A child is never forced to have an exam, and every effort is made to make the child feel comfortable and non-threatened during the exam.
Beyond the physical component of the exam, our medical providers help assure parents that their child is healthy and that if abuse has occurred, it will not be visible to others. Our providers offer extensive, one-on-one consultation not received during a regular doctor’s visit and take as much time as necessary to help the children by explaining each step of the check-up and finding ways to put the child at ease. Although there are very rarely physical signs of sexual abuse, many families find reassurance knowing that no permanent physical damage has been done.
Sexual Abuse Forensic Exams (SAFE):
When there is a concern that a child has been sexually abused, a SAFE exam will be performed.
This exam is a comprehensive, non-invasive medical examination much like a well-child check-up. Our medical provider will use a colposcope as part of the exam. This state-of-the-art forensic equipment records evidence of abuse.
Child At Risk Exam (CARE):
This exam is a comprehensive, head-to-toe physical exam used to document recent and/or past physical trauma to a child. Physical evidence is photographed using state-of-the-art forensic equipment. This exam is also a part of our drug decontamination protocols for children who have been removed from a methamphetamine-producing environment.