Chairs

Current SIG Co-Chairs:

Hank Puls, MD

Barbara Chaiyachati, MD, PhD

Current SIG Mentor:

Cindy Christian, MD

The purpose and mission of the Child Abuse SIG is to provide a forum for child health professionals that supports innovation in prevention, advocacy, policy, research, and education related to the care of children at risk for or impacted by child abuse or neglect.

 

Join the Child Abuse SIG

Annual Summary

To provide an annual workshop that inspires participants to gain new perspectives on a challenging issue in child abuse pediatrics today. The Child Abuse and Neglect Special Interest Group met on April 29th at the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting in Baltimore for our annual workshop. This year's workshop was titled, "Preventing Child Sexual Abuse through Community Collaboration: Working Together for Change."

  1. Dr. Hiu-fai Fong (Boston Children’s Hospital) introduced the topic by summarizing challenges faced in the prevention of child sexual abuse at the local, regional, and national levels.
  2. Dr. Phil Scribano (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) described his work with the Nassar Commission, including parallels with other sexual abuse scandals, common themes, and lessons for prevention.
  3. Dr. Wendy Lane (University of Maryland) described her work with policy makers in Maryland to pass legislation addressing child sexual abuse. She also provided reflection regarding her experiences in engaging in policy work as a pediatrician.
  4. Emily Van Schenkhof (Executive Director of the Children’s Trust Fund of Missouri) provided insight to the challenges faced by funders identifying effective programs to prevent child sexual abuse. She also gave tips on how medical experts can best collaborate with like-minded community agencies to achieve shared goals.
  5. Ruby Parker (Assistant Director, Community Engagement Services, The Family Tree, Inc.) compared the approach and strategies of the Enough Abuse Campaign in Maryland to other sexual abuse prevention programs. She also gave recommendations for sexual abuse prevention relevant to pediatricians engaged in clinical care or public health efforts.

Ray Helfer Society, AAP Council on Child Abuse and Neglect, Academy on Violence and Abuse, and American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children

Current SIG goals:

To provide an annual workshop that inspires participants to gain new perspectives on a challenging issue in child abuse pediatrics today.

Other groups (other SIGs and other groups not in the APA) that work in your area of interest:

Ray Helfer Society, AAP Council on Child Abuse and Neglect Academy on Violence and Abuse and American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children