Child Sexual Abuse Triage
Children and adolescents with suspected sexual abuse may present to their primary care office, a local emergency department, urgent care, or other medical or non-medical professionals. If expertise is not available at these sites, professionals need to be aware of local resources for referral and follow up for expert medical examinations. Assessing the needs of children presenting with suspicions of sexual abuse and weighing the options for optimal care using local resources is critical to implementing the appropriate next steps in medical care and treatment.
Key Concepts
- Suspected Sexual Abuse Overview
- Local Child Abuse Resources
- Child Abuse Medical Providers
- Principles of Triage in Child/Adolescent Sexual Abuse Cases
- Indications for a Medical Evaluation for Sexual Abuse
- Triage Steps
- Step 1. Gather and Document Pertinent Information
- Step 2. Determine the Safety and Welfare of the Child/Adolescent Is this child/adolescent safe?
- Step 3. Determine Who Should Examine the Child/Adolescent and When
- Step 4. Determine if You are Mandated to Report this Situation
- Appropriate Level of Care
- Emergent Evaluation
- Urgent Evaluation
- Evaluation Scheduled for a Later Date
- Referral to a Child Abuse Expert
- Making a Referral to a CAC
- The Thought Process When Considering a Referral
- Making a Referral to a Child Abuse Expert
- Suggested Communication to the Child Abuse Expert
- Additional Considerations for Hospitals
- Additional Considerations for CACs
- References and Resources
