Child Abuse:
From Discovery to Prosecution
Kenny Hoffman RN, CEN,EMT-P, CMTE
Flight Nurse / Team Leader
Medflight of Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Objectives
1. Identify common signs and symptoms of child abuse.
2. Describe the investigative process in child abuse cases.
3. Understand the concept of the multidisciplinary approach to child
abuse investigations.
4. Identify the role of the healthcare provider in the prosecution
process.
Child Abuse: From Discovery to Prosecution
I. Introduction
A. Significance of the problem
B. Abuse/Neglect defined
C. Characteristics of an abuser
II. Discovery
A. Recognition of abuse
1. Physical indicators
2. Behavioral indicators
B. Recognition of sexual abuse
1. Physical indicators
2. Behavioral indicators
C. Recognition of emotional abuse
1. Physical indicators
2. Behavioral indicators
III. Specific injuries of abuse with differential diagnosis
A. Distinguishing abuse from accident
B. Cultural influences
IV. Reporting and treatment
A. Interview
B. Physical examination
C. Nursing role
D. Treatment
V. Prosecution
A. Hospital personnel
B. Child Protective Services
C. Police
D. Courts
VII. Closing/Questions and Answers
References
Baldwin’s Annotated Ohio Revised Code (1994) Child Protection Laws. Chapter 2151
Ohio Department of Human Services (1998) Child Abuse and Neglect. (ODHS 1495)
Personal Interviews
Horner, Gail RN., Columbus Children’s Hospital, Department of Child Development.
Lawson, Ken. Columbus Division of Police, Sexual Abuse Squad/Juvenile Bureau
Patterson, Brian. Ohio Department of Human Services, Department of Child Protection.
Child Abuse: From Discovery to Prosecution
Kenneth L. Hoffman RN, CEN, EMT-P, CMTE
Flight Nurse / Team Leader
MEDFLIGHT OF OHIO
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