Marion County, Ind., Runs Child Assessment Clinic for Abused and Neglected Children
Dates of Project: July 1993 through June 1996
Description: In the early 1990s, only 25 percent of children in Marion County, Ind., (which includes Indianapolis) received medical care in the process of evaluation for suspected child abuse and neglect, even though these children are at high risk for multiple health problems. This project sought to close that gap through an improved referral process by which children would be seen at a Child Assessment Clinic staffed by a public health nurse liaison, a social worker, and pediatric trainees.
Key Results
The Child Assessment Clinic provided physical, developmental, behavioral, and psychosocial evaluation and care for maltreated children referred by Marion County Child Protection Services. Key clinic features included a public health nurse liaison, a social worker, and pediatric resident trainees.
Throughout the three years of the project, 3,823 children were referred to the Child Assessment Clinic. Some 2,287 were scheduled for medical evaluation and 978 were actually seen. Of those who were evaluated:
- 53 percent had significantly abnormal exams.
- 44 percent were immunization delayed.
- 22 percent were anemic.
- Only 32 screened as developmentally appropriate for their age.
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Related
- Child FIRST Develops an Evidence-Based Early Childhood Intervention June 19, 2015
- Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect in New Jersey Through a Home Visitation Program July 14, 2010
- International Variations in Harsh Child Discipline September 1, 2010
- What Should You Do If You Witness Child Abuse? November 15, 2011
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