The Miller Oil Foundation strongly supports the efforts of Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters in Norfolk VA in treating and preventing child abuse in out area. 

     The Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters Child Abuse Program offers children a safe and nurturing environment in which to begin the healing process in the aftermath of abuse and neglect.
     The program provides compassionate diagnostic, assessment and treatment services and seeks to coordinate the efforts of various community agencies working together on behalf of the abused child.  The CHKD Child Abuse Program begins the healing process through an innovative program than honors the abused child's need for safety, dignity and privacy.

Coordination of Community Efforts
     Child abuse is a complex problem.  Professionals in medicine, mental health, Child Protective Services, law enforcement, prosecution and victim advocacy may all have a role in the process of stopping the abuse. In the past, suspected victims of child maltreatment often had to visit each of these agencies separately and repeatedly. 
     The CHKD Child Abuse Program minimizes stress on the child by coordinating the efforts of all six disciplines. This coordination begins with the interview process. Interviews are conducted in a safe, child-friendly setting by staff members who understand the fears and anxieties of abused children. A two-way mirror eliminates the need for several adults to be present in the interview room. Interviews may be videotaped or digitally recorded so that children may only have to recount the history of the abuse one time.  

Comprehensive Patient Care
     Case managers from the Child Abuse Program work with the referring agency to determine the service needed for each child.
     During the initial call, a case manager will complete an interview to determine whether the program is an appropriate place for the child. If so, the necessary services will be scheduled and coordinated. 
     The staff at the CHKD Child Abuse Program will often use a combination of services to assess the needs of the child and the family. Based on this assessment a treatment plan will be developed that best meets their needs. Services offered by the program include: 

• Forensic Interviews
• Extended Forensic Evaluations
• Psychological Testing
• Forensically Sensitive Long-term Therapy
• Forensic Medical Evaluations
• Foster Care Medical Examinations
• Parenting Capacity Evaluations

     If the Child Abuse Program is not the appropriate place for the child, the child will be referred to the appropriate resource in the community.

For more information please visit:  www.chkd.org/Services/ChildAbuse/
Or call:  (757) 668-6100.