Medical Exams
Medical exams are important to be sure your child is at their healthiest.
A medical exam is offered to any child who has allegations or concerns of abuse. A visit is recommended even if the abuse happened a long time ago.
Currently, Jane’s Place utilizes Western Maryland Health System’s DV/FNE/Forensic Program Coordinator to provide medical examinations. The medical evaluations at UPMC are conducted by medical professionals with pediatric and child abuse expertise. The health care provider will check to see how your child is doing both physically and emotionally. In the case where a child has injuries, infections, or emotional problems, provider will treat them or refer you child to further care.
Frequently asked questions about med exams:
What is the purpose of the exam?
1. To help ensure your child's health, safety, and wellbeing.
2. To diagnose, document and address any medical conditions resulting from abuse.
3. To differentiate medical findings that indicate abuse from those due to other medical conditions or an accident.
4. To assess you child for developmental, emotional or behavioral problems that may need further evaluation.
5. To reassure and educate the child and family about medical findings.
What happens during an exam?
First, the health care provider will talk with you and your child about any medical problems or questions. There will be a general head to toe exam; similar to a normal check-up. Then a careful exam of the genitals and anal areas is conducted.
Is this going to upset my child?
During the exam, a goal is to make the child is as comfortable as possible. In the case a child gets very upset, the exam will not be forced. If a child becomes upset or cannot calm down, the nurse will stop the exam and reschedule the visit.
May I stay with my child during the exam?
Yes. We want you to be there to comfort your child. Older children may prefer privacy and we respect their choice.
Will the examiner be able to tell if my child was abused?
Most children who have been abused have normal exams. Occasionally, physical or laboratory findings confirm the diagnosis of sexual abuse. It's important to know that even when the exam is normal, this does not mean that abuse did not happen. The abuse may not have caused any injury. And, even if there was an injury, it may have healed without any scars. What your child says about what happened is the most important part.
What if my child has an STI?
FNE staff will contact you and guide the course of treatment.
What about confidentiality?
The Western Maryland Health System’s DV/FNE/Forensic Program Coordinator will only share information with others if you give your written permission. By law, the health care provider may be required to share the results of the exam with law enforcement and child protective services.
*Source: WVCAN
A medical exam is offered to any child who has allegations or concerns of abuse. A visit is recommended even if the abuse happened a long time ago.
Currently, Jane’s Place utilizes Western Maryland Health System’s DV/FNE/Forensic Program Coordinator to provide medical examinations. The medical evaluations at UPMC are conducted by medical professionals with pediatric and child abuse expertise. The health care provider will check to see how your child is doing both physically and emotionally. In the case where a child has injuries, infections, or emotional problems, provider will treat them or refer you child to further care.
Frequently asked questions about med exams:
What is the purpose of the exam?
1. To help ensure your child's health, safety, and wellbeing.
2. To diagnose, document and address any medical conditions resulting from abuse.
3. To differentiate medical findings that indicate abuse from those due to other medical conditions or an accident.
4. To assess you child for developmental, emotional or behavioral problems that may need further evaluation.
5. To reassure and educate the child and family about medical findings.
What happens during an exam?
First, the health care provider will talk with you and your child about any medical problems or questions. There will be a general head to toe exam; similar to a normal check-up. Then a careful exam of the genitals and anal areas is conducted.
Is this going to upset my child?
During the exam, a goal is to make the child is as comfortable as possible. In the case a child gets very upset, the exam will not be forced. If a child becomes upset or cannot calm down, the nurse will stop the exam and reschedule the visit.
May I stay with my child during the exam?
Yes. We want you to be there to comfort your child. Older children may prefer privacy and we respect their choice.
Will the examiner be able to tell if my child was abused?
Most children who have been abused have normal exams. Occasionally, physical or laboratory findings confirm the diagnosis of sexual abuse. It's important to know that even when the exam is normal, this does not mean that abuse did not happen. The abuse may not have caused any injury. And, even if there was an injury, it may have healed without any scars. What your child says about what happened is the most important part.
What if my child has an STI?
FNE staff will contact you and guide the course of treatment.
What about confidentiality?
The Western Maryland Health System’s DV/FNE/Forensic Program Coordinator will only share information with others if you give your written permission. By law, the health care provider may be required to share the results of the exam with law enforcement and child protective services.
*Source: WVCAN
