The mission of C.A.R.E. is to develop, support and grow a statewide network of doctors, key medical personnel and medical office staff who have committed themselves to ensuring the children in their communities are free from abuse and neglect as a result of receiving office-based training from their medical peers.
Needs Statement
The medical community—professionals addressing health care needs of Kentuckians through their various roles as doctors, nurses, radiologists, trauma specialists, office personnel and others—are in an unique position to identify and detect non-accidental injuries in children and to provide support services to at-risk families. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services data indicates that 14,802 children in the Commonwealth suffered from abuse and/or neglect during 2008; 30 children died and 44 came close to death. Of these fatalities, medical records indicate many of the children were seen by medical professionals at varying points prior to their death. While the intervention and correct diagnosis given by a medical professional does not automatically determine a child’s ability to survive a traumatic event, these factors do play an important role in ensuring the long-term well being of the child. It is the assertion of this project that child maltreatment and child fatalities (and near fatalities) can be prevented through better recognition of the signs and symptoms of child abuse by medical providers. Furthermore, by incorporating education and resource referral into routine medical visits, child abuse and neglect can be prevented in its entirety.
How Does This Program Work?
PCAK partners with medical professionals who have indicated their support of and commitment to the well being of
· Hospital Emergency Room/Physicians/ER Nurses
· Pediatrics (private practice, health department or hospital)
· Family Practice (private practice, health department or hospital)
· OB/GYN (private practice or hospital)
· Radiology
· Ophthalmology
· Trauma Related Medical Specialties
· Medical Office Personnel
· College/University programs for Medical Professionals
The core group of medical professionals then provides on-site peer-to-peer training on the signs and symptoms of child abuse/neglect and support services for families. Trainers receive a curriculum, public awareness information and other items conducive to providing educational sessions focused on the medical aspects of detecting and preventing child abuse. Each office-based presentation allows the opportunity for local Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) and Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs (CCSHCN) staff to participate in conjunction with PCAK and the medical professional who is providing the training. University and college sessions empower students to be an advocate for child abuse prevention by incorporating support services into their routine repertoire and through enhanced recognition and reporting of child abuse and neglect. PCAK is responsible for the development of the materials, follow-up evaluation, and reports to invested community partners.
Click HERE to read comments from Program Participants.
Click HERE to see the C.A.R.E. Flyer
Click HERE to see the C.A.R.E. Survey Results
For more information about C.A.R.E. please contact Kate Dean, kdean@pcaky.org
