A medical exam is important to be sure that your child is healthy.
Medical Examinations Questions & Answers*
A medical exam is offered to any child who has allegations or concerns of abuse. Currently, Jane’s Place has uses Western Maryland Health System’s DV/FNE/Forensic Program Coordinator to provide medical examinations. The nurses who staff the Program have special training in child sexual abuse examinations.
The visit is recommended even if the abuse happened a long time ago. The nurse will check to see how your child is doing physically and emotionally. If there are any injuries, infections or emotional problems, the medical provider will treat them or refer your child for further care. Most parents and children get the good news that everything is fine.
What is the purpose of the exam?
The purpose of the exam is to reassure children and their parents that the child’s body is okay (therapeutic medical exams) and to collect possible physical evidence of an assault if present, especially in acute cases (forensic medical exams). Medical exams also assess for and treat sexually transmitted diseases, injuries, and pregnancy.
What happens during an exam?
First, the nurse will talk with you and your child about any medical problems or questions. After that, there will be a full head to toe exam similar to a normal check-up, ending with the genitals (private parts). This part of the exam is important to make sure there are no injuries or infections, including sexually transmitted infections. In some cases, the private parts may be touched with cotton swabs to test for infection. Photographs may be taken as part of the documentation process.
Is this going to upset my child?
The exam is not that different from a regular check-up, and the nurse will much time as necessary to explain each step of the check-up and find ways to put the child at ease. No child is forced to have an exam. 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?
Many children want a parent or caretaker with them for the exam. Others do not. We ask children if they would like to have someone with them during the exam. Even if you are not in the room during the exam, you will have a chance afterwards to talk privately with the nurse.
When will I get the results?
The nurse will meet with you immediately following the exam. You will get the results of any lab testing by phone or letter.
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 nurse 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. Currently, Jane’s Place has uses Western Maryland Health System’s DV/FNE/Forensic Program Coordinator to provide medical examinations. The nurses who staff the Program have special training in child sexual abuse examinations.
The visit is recommended even if the abuse happened a long time ago. The nurse will check to see how your child is doing physically and emotionally. If there are any injuries, infections or emotional problems, the medical provider will treat them or refer your child for further care. Most parents and children get the good news that everything is fine.
What is the purpose of the exam?
The purpose of the exam is to reassure children and their parents that the child’s body is okay (therapeutic medical exams) and to collect possible physical evidence of an assault if present, especially in acute cases (forensic medical exams). Medical exams also assess for and treat sexually transmitted diseases, injuries, and pregnancy.
What happens during an exam?
First, the nurse will talk with you and your child about any medical problems or questions. After that, there will be a full head to toe exam similar to a normal check-up, ending with the genitals (private parts). This part of the exam is important to make sure there are no injuries or infections, including sexually transmitted infections. In some cases, the private parts may be touched with cotton swabs to test for infection. Photographs may be taken as part of the documentation process.
Is this going to upset my child?
The exam is not that different from a regular check-up, and the nurse will much time as necessary to explain each step of the check-up and find ways to put the child at ease. No child is forced to have an exam. 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?
Many children want a parent or caretaker with them for the exam. Others do not. We ask children if they would like to have someone with them during the exam. Even if you are not in the room during the exam, you will have a chance afterwards to talk privately with the nurse.
When will I get the results?
The nurse will meet with you immediately following the exam. You will get the results of any lab testing by phone or letter.
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 nurse may be required to share the results of the exam with law enforcement and child protective services.
*Source: WVCAN
