Introduction : Acknowledgments
The Authors
Ann S. Botash, MD, the author of the original Child Abuse Evaluation & Treatment for Medical Providers, lead this project and revised most of the content. This includes writing the chapters on Child Sexual Abuse Triage, History, Physical Examination, Laboratory, Radiology, Diagnosis, Treatment and Follow-up, Documentation, Reporting, and Children and Adolescents with Disabilities. Alicia Pekarsky, MD, wrote the Legal Issues and Multidisciplinary Approach chapters and Janet Rozenswieig, PhD, MPA, wrote the chapter on Sexual and Sexualized Behaviors in Children. In addition, Lawrence Ricci, MD, wrote the section on Photographic Documentation in the Documentation chapter.
We want to recognize the other experts who contributed to the development and evolution of this work: Dana Kaplan, MD, who suggested and reviewed medical content; Sarah J.C. Reckess, JD, who reviewed the content of the Legal Issues chapter; and Liz Bowen, PhD, who contributed her expertise related to children and adolescents with disabilities and communication challenges.
We also want to thank the Center for Bioethics and Humanities at the Norton College of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, under the leadership of Amy Caruso Brown, MD, for their thoughtful review, edits, and support.
Collaborative Support
The Child Abuse Medical Provider (CHAMP) Program Faculty provided invaluable feedback, especially in reviewing and updating the Directory of Child Abuse Agencies and Organizations. Their availability for questions and commitment to best practices helped strengthen this resource.
We also gratefully acknowledge Trish Booth, MA, who served as editor and collaborator from the start. Her partnership with Dr. Botash and her dedication to clarity, structure, and educational value shaped the quality of the content.
Project Management and Sustained Support
This work could not have been completed without the exceptional coordination and dedication of JoAnne Race, MS, CHAMP Program Manager. Her behind-the-scenes efforts — from managing author communications and editing images to monitoring budgets, tracking progress, and keeping the project moving — were vital to its success. Her work continues a tradition of strong CHAMP leadership, following the contributions of Linda Markell and Anne Galloway, RN, past CHAMP managers.
