The Child Protection Program (CPP) at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children is funded in part by SCFC and provides a safe, calm, private environment for victims of child abuse in which a traumatized young child receives a thorough medical examination, required treatments, forensic interviews and critical counseling services.

The Child Protection Program began in 2005 with an outpatient program 1/2 day per week and currently have 2 full days per week of outpatient clinic, an inpatient consult service, and a 24/7 telephone consult service.

• The Child Protection Program have standardized and improved the quality of care to abused and neglected children throughout the hospital.
• By building stronger collaborations with law enforcement, the Department of Human Services, the District Attorney’s Office and Philadelphia Children’s Alliance, CPP have improved communication to ensure a timely and complete investigation, and help families nagivate through the legal system by explaining the services that are available for victims of abuse and their families.
• In 2008, there were 96 inpatient consults.  In 2009, there were 137 patient consults, mostly for physical abuse.
• In 2008, 334 patients were referred to the outpatient program, with 242 attending the appointment.  In 2009, CPP scheduled 533 patient visits, with 336 patients showing for the appointment (63% show rate).  Most outpatient appointments are for sexual abuse.
• The CPP implemented the Child Maltreatment Committee which meets monthly to improve patient care, hospital policies and procedures.
• Commitment to education: CPP developed and implemented a curriculum on child abuse for pediatric residents, fellows, medical students and regularly provide educational sessions to:
•  Pediatric, sub-specialty, emergency, nursing, child life, social work, radiology and other departments at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
•  Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, Special Victims Unit
• Children and Youth Services
• Community Pediatrician

Scope of Problem:

• Each year approximately 900,000 cases of child abuse are confirmed in the U.S. (12.1 per 1000 children).  Of these 64% suffered neglect, 16% suffered physical abuse, 8.8% suffered sexual abuse and 6.6% suffered emotional abuse, with an estimated 1530 child deaths as a result of child abuse each year (2 deaths per 100,000 children). These numbers are thought to be an underestimate of the true incidence.
• 1 in 4 to 5 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before the age of 18.  In Philadelphia, it is estimated to be one in three.
• Child abuse and neglect has been shown to have long term negative physical, behavioral and mental health effects.

To address the unique needs of this victimized population, the CPP developed multi-disciplinary team including physicians, social worker, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE), Child Life Specialist, Medical Assistant and Administrative Assistant.  The clinicians and social workers have received extensive training in the area of Child Abuse and Neglect.