Child Abuse Recognition Education (C.A.R.E.)

The mission of C.A.R.E. is to develop, support and grow a statewide network of doctors, key medical personnel and medical office staff who have committed themselves to ensuring the children in their communities are free from abuse and neglect as a result of receiving office-based training from their medical peers.

The medical community—professionals addressing health care needs of Kentuckians through their various roles as doctors, nurses, radiologists, trauma specialists, office personnel and others—are in an unique position to identify and detect non-accidental injuries in children. 

Kentucky’s Child Fatality Review Team data indicates there were 32 substantiated fatalities in 2004 as a direct result of child abuse or neglect in the Commonwealth; of those fatalities, medical records indicate many of the children were seen by medical professionals at varying points prior to the fatality occurring. 

While the intervention and correct diagnoses given by a medical professional does not necessarily automatically determine a child’s ability to survive a traumatic event, these factors do play an important role in ensuring long-term well being of the child. 

It is the assertion of this project that child maltreatment and child fatalities (and near fatalities) can be prevented through better recognition of the signs and symptoms of child abuse by medical providers. 

PCAK works with medical professionals who have indicated their support of and commitment to the well being of Kentucky’s children.  These professionals have identified (and continue to do so) colleagues throughout the Commonwealth, each who have responsibilities encompassing one or more of the following areas:

• Hospital Emergency Room/Physicians/ER Nurses
• Pediatrics (private practice, health department or hospital)
• Family Practice (private practice, health department or hospital)
• OB/GYN (private practice or hospital)
• Radiology
• Ophthalmology
• Trauma Related Medical Specialties
• Medical Office Personnel

The core group of medical providers then provides on-site training to fellow medical professionals and his/her staff to allow peer-to-peer training on the signs and symptoms of child abuse/neglect. 

The group of trainers is given training materials, public awareness information and other items conducive to providing awareness sessions focused on the medical aspects of detecting child abuse.

Each of the presentations allows the opportunity for local Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) staff to participate in a manner deemed appropriate by the DCBS SRA in conjunction with PCAK and the medical provider who is providing the training. PCAK is responsible for the development of the materials (in conjunction with the core group of physicians and identified cabinet staff), as well as, submitting requested reports to the cabinet.