Treatment and Follow-up
Appropriate medical interventions, referrals for mental health, and social and legal support are important aspects in the treatment and follow-up of abuse and maltreatment in children. The use of trauma-informed care and practices throughout all stages of care, including initial contact, medical examinations, and follow-up are critical aspects of care for the child or adolescent and their families.
Communication and confidentiality are important aspects of care. While communication among providers is generally permitted under HIPAA, privacy remains critical, especially for adolescents. Providers must: review state confidentiality laws before sharing information, respect the preferences and rights of both the adolescent and their caregivers, and obtain consent where required. For additional information, see: Crawford-Jakubiak JE, Alderman EM, Leventhal JM; COMMITTEE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT; COMMITTEE ON ADOLESCENCE. Care of the Adolescent After an Acute Sexual Assault. Pediatrics. 2017; 139 (3). (DOI) .
Medical professionals should also be aware of local resources. For a list of state and national abuse resources, see: Directory of Child Abuse Agencies and Organizations.
Key Concepts
