Child Protection Program

The Child Protection Program (CPP) at the UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center in Worcester, MA, has the most comprehensive program to address the issues of child abuse, neglect and placement in substitute care in Central Massachusetts.

The Child Protection Program is staffed by an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers and advocates, all specially trained and experienced in the care of children and families dealing with abuse or neglect. Read more in our FAQ.

Child Protection Services

We provide a wide range of services, including:

• Evaluation of hospitalized patients who are suspected victims of neglect, physical abuse, failure to thrive, acute sexual assault, factitious illness or maltreatment
• Medical assessment and physical/behavioral treatment/referrals for suspected child abuse victims; support for caregivers (biologic and foster) in the care of abused and neglected children; and outpatient clinical services for abused and/or neglected children
• Support services, including family support, psychoeducation, referrals, and resources to children and families where there is known or suspected child sexual or physical abuse
• Communication with child protective services and law enforcement agencies
• Assistance to children and caregivers in understanding the medical/social issues that have prompted their involvement in an investigation of suspected child maltreatment
• Support to our emergency department and other physicians in the region 24/7 for on-call consultation
• Support in obtaining mental health and counseling services by working with mental health providers in your area to get your child and/or family members evaluated and into treatment 

Advocacy

Our Child Protection team helps patients, families and the community by:

• Participating in interdisciplinary case reviews and court testimony for child welfare, law enforcement and the legal community
• Providing medical expertise for community partners to facilitate decision-making and best practices
• Serving as advisors for the Department of Children and Families and district attorney’s office to address policies for maltreated children

Resources for Professionals

The CPP Program is a regional and national resource for training and research on the issues of child abuse, children in foster care and the care of children who have experienced trauma or toxic stress. In many settings, including school, day care, counseling, youth activities and faith-based programs, professionals can face challenges with these issues. Our child protection team offers:

• Trainings on issues of child abuse recognition and response
• Resources or trainings on behavioral trauma responses
• Consultation on issues related to a particular situation or concern related to possible child abuse
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Evaluation of Suspected Child Physical Abuse
• Helping Foster and Adoptive Families Cope with Trauma
• Trauma and Toxic Stress in the Pediatric Patient: How to Appreciate, Assess and Address
• Victims of Violent Crime Compensation

Helpful Resources

• Information about Child Sexual Abuse
• Tips to Keep Kids Safe
• What to do/not do if your child discloses to you that she/he has experienced sexual abuse; summary of common symptoms/problems after experiencing a traumatic event
• Safe Kids Worldwide         
• Best counseling options for children who have experienced traumas