This section offers guidance regarding how to triage a child or adolescent with concerns for abuse or neglect. All staff in the primary care and Emergency Department settings should be proficient in the triage of these challenging situations. Clear and concrete information will afford the practitioner the ability to make decisions regarding when the child/adolescent
should be seen and whether to make a report to Child Protective Services. The goal is to
minimize interviewing and examining the child/adolescent while maximizing medical, legal, and
protective outcomes.
A child/adolescent needs an examination when:
There is any suspicion of abuse
There is a suspicion of sexual abuse, even if it is sexual play
There are physical signs and symptoms of genitourinary problems
There is a history of pain, injury, or possible trauma
