Child Protection Program

The Child Protection Consultation Team aims to provide the highest standard of care to children who may have experienced or are suspected of experiencing abuse or neglect, as well as to their families. The Team helps to equip all clinicians who care for children with the basic skills and knowledge necessary to provide the full range of appropriate support and service to children and their families, including screening, identification, assessment, intervention, referral, and follow-up on suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. The Team provides interdisciplinary training to staff and community providers on the medical and psychosocial aspects of child maltreatment, in a variety of educational forums throughout MGH and the community, so that providers can more effectively address the needs of such children in their overall treatment.

The Child Protection Consultation Team is staffed by a multidisciplinary team which includes a program director, medical director, part time clinical social worker, and part time pediatrician. Consultation from the Team is available to providers throughout MGH, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist with the assessment and management of suspected cases of child maltreatment. In addition, the Team serves as a liaison to community agencies including the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), Suffolk County Children’s Advocacy Center, local police departments, district attorney offices, and the courts.

Outcome

In 2013, the Team held 777 consultations with providers.