Child Safety and Advocacy

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse

If you suspect that a child is being abused or maltreated, please take immediate action. Contact local law enforcement and the West Virginia Child Welfare Services by calling the Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline: 1-800-352-6513.

• WVU Medicine Child Safety Team
• WVU Medicine Child Abuse and Neglect Consult Service For patients at WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital
  • E-consults available for other WVU Medicine facilities
• Outpatient Clinics at:
  • University Town Center
  • Physician’s Office Center

(Referral-based clinics accepting referrals from medical providers, law enforcement, child protective services, and other community organizations)

• Trauma-informed care in a child- and family-friendly environment

The WVU Medicine Child Safety & Advocacy (CS&A) team includes:

• Physicians certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in both Child Abuse Pediatrics and General Pediatrics
• Nationally recognized experts in pediatric forensic medicine
• Over 30 years of experience in pediatric medicine
• Over 15 years of experience in child abuse medicine
• Training in trauma-informed clinical practices

• WVU Medicine Child Safety Team
• WVU Medicine Child Abuse and Neglect Consult Service For patients at WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital
  • E-consults available for other WVU Medicine facilities
• Outpatient Clinics at:
  • University Town Center
  • Physician’s Office Center

(Referral-based clinics accepting referrals from medical providers, law enforcement, child protective services, and other community organizations)

• Trauma-informed care in a child- and family-friendly environment

• Concerns for child sexual abuse or adolescent sexual assault that occurred more than 72 hours ago
• If within 72 hours, please take the child to the WVU Medicine Children’s Emergency Department
• Injuries concerning for child physical abuse
• Sexualized behaviors in young children
• Concerns for nutritional or medical neglect
• Sibling exams for children living in homes where another child has experienced abuse or neglect
• Medical evaluations for children entering foster care

Medical evaluations at the CS&A Clinic help to:

• Assess emotional, mental health, social, and developmental needs
• Provide crisis intervention when needed
• Diagnose and treat injuries, infections, or medical conditions
• Assess the child’s safety and well-being
• Support and educate families about their child’s experience
• Coordinate referrals for medical, dental, mental health, and social services
• Document findings to minimize the need for repeat exams
• Ensure evaluations are conducted by trained experts to avoid false positives/negatives
• Provide care in a compassionate, child- and family-friendly environment

• Scheduling
  • Families will be contacted to arrange an appointment at their convenience. If transportation is a concern, our team will assist in coordinating resources within the family’s community.
• The Visit
  • The provider will meet with the child and family together, and may also speak with the child and caregivers separately—only if the family is comfortable.
  • The conversation will focus on understanding the concerns and determining appropriate care.
  • Note: CS&A providers are not forensic interviewers and will not conduct forensic questioning.
• The Medical Exam
  • A head-to-toe, non-invasive exam similar to a regular pediatric check-up
  • Photo documentation may be used to prevent the need for repeat exams; all images are securely stored
  • Genital exams are NOT invasive; no instruments or procedures like pap smears are performed
  • Children can pause or stop the exam at any time, and their comfort will always be respected
• Testing & Follow-up
  • Labs, X-rays, or other tests may be recommended to ensure overall health
  • Testing can typically be completed during the visit; families may decline any testing
  • Medications may be prescribed and sent to the family’s preferred pharmacy
  • Follow-up visits may be scheduled or referrals made to specialists
    • When possible, specialists close to the child’s home will be selected
    • Ask your provider if a virtual follow-up is available
• Collaboration with Investigators
  • If there is an active CPS or police investigation, the provider may share relevant medical findings with authorized investigators after the appointment

Call 1-833-304-KIDS

Place an E-consult to Child Safety and Advocacy through Epic