Child Protection Program

Our team offers consultation to health care providers, child protection services, law enforcement and other professionals in cases of suspected child maltreatment. We may consult by phone only, offer a record review of a case, or see the child in consultation depending on the request. Our consultations are objective and evidence based, providing objective assessment to help determine the extent of injury and whether a medical cause or accidental mechanism accounts for the injury pattern.

Working together, our team provides a wide range of services to children, families and professionals, including:

• Evaluation of suspected victims of child abuse and/or neglect
• Crisis counseling services for families
• Professional consultation for healthcare providers, child protection services, law enforcement officers or other professionals
• Expert testimony in legal settings when required
• Professional education

Here are some of the ways we are making a difference in central Indiana and throughout the state.

• Pediatric Center of Hope (PCOH, Child Sexual Abuse Clinic). This clinic provides comprehensive medical evaluation for children alleged to have been sexually abused.
• Crisis Counseling Services. These services are an extension of the Pediatric Center of Hope and bridge the gap in services from the time a child is identified as a possible child sexual abuse victim to the four to eight week time frame in which formal ongoing counseling may become available.
• Trauma Treatment Services. These services include the provision of cognitive behavioral therapy for victims of child maltreatment.
• Child Abuse Consultation Service. This service provides comprehensive medical evaluations for children referred to our program by medical providers or child protective services and alleged to have been physically abused or neglected.
• Pediatric Evaluation and Diagnostic Services (PEDS) Program. This program provides statewide multidisciplinary education on medical issues relating to child maltreatment and offers consultation to the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) on cases of suspected child maltreatment.
• Community Involvement. We actively serve on numerous community and state committees addressing child maltreatment issues such as the Marion County Child Fatality Review Team, Indiana State Child Fatality Review Team, Marion County Child Protection Team, Indiana Children’s Justice Act Task Force and others. We also serve as the medical provider for several child advocacy centers in Central Indiana.
• Docs INCASE (Indiana Child Abuse Screening and Education). This newly developed program, involves partnering with community pediatricians across the state of Indiana to provide services and assist in community education efforts.

Important Contact Information

To contact the Pediatric Center of Hope, call 317.274.2617 or email us at iucpp@iupui.edu.