CPP houses three distinct programs which operate in collaboration to respond to incidents of family violence, suspected child abuse and neglect by providing a range of services including:

1. Evaluation of children referred to the hospital for suspected abuse or neglect and referrals to appropriate services at Children's Hospital and elsewhere.

2. Psycho-educational and clinical services to parents

3. Expert consultation to clinical staff regarding protective issues that may emerge in the treatment of their patients

4. Case coordination with the Department of Children and Families and other agencies

5. The provision of expert testimony in child protection cases

6. Advocacy services to battered women and their children

7. Training for hospital staff

8. Community outreach, prevention and advocacy

The Child Protection Program's three program areas include:

• The Child Protection Clinical Services (CPCS) Program: an outpatient child protection program.

• The Child Protection Team (CPT): a team of Children's consultants available 24 hours to consult on child abuse and neglect.

• The AWAKE (Advocacy for Women and Kids in Emergencies) Project: a domestic violence program for women and their children.

The CPP team includes members from the departments of Medicine, Social Work, Nursing, Psychiatry and the Office of General Counsel.

Our team also includes a nurse at Children's who functions as a liaison with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Each member of the CPP plays an important role in our mission to work for child safety and provide care for Children's patients who may have been abused or neglected.

We also work to increase the awareness, knowledge and prevention of child abuse at Children's and within the local community.

What we do

The Child Protection Program:

• evaluates children referred to Children's for suspected abuse or neglect and refers them to appropriate services within the hospital and in the community

• educates and provides services for parents and caretakers

• consults with staff about protective issues, coordinates with DCF and law enforcement, and provides courtroom testimony when necessary

• provides services to battered women and their children

• trains Children's staff to recognize and respond to child abuse and neglect

• works in community outreach and prevention efforts

617-355-7979 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
If this is an emergency, dial 911.