Provided as a sample resource to support development or review of local policies, procedures, or competencies.
Provides a structured framework to support competency validation in identifying, assessing, and reporting suspected child abuse in the emergency department (ED).
Focuses on early recognition of sentinel injuries, trauma-informed history-taking, thorough physical examination, diagnostic evaluation, mandatory reporting, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Designed to reinforce patient safety, legal responsibilities, and standardized care aligned with best practices in child protection.
How to Use This Resource
Use to guide onboarding, annual competency validation, and ongoing skills reinforcement for ED clinicians caring for children at risk of abuse.
Incorporate into simulation, case review, and interdisciplinary team training.
Apply to promote consistent recognition of concerning injury patterns, trauma-informed communication, accurate documentation, mandated reporting, and coordinated care with child protection and social services teams.
