Medical/Evidentiary Examinations
Medical/evidentiary exams are provided for children brought to the Center by patrol officers and Children's Protective Services' (CPS) social workers. Results of these exams assist detectives, social workers, and prosecutors to distinguish between accidental and non-accidental injury. Medical evaluations include taking a complete history, performing a complete physical examination, documenting findings, and consulting with law enforcement officers, CPS social workers, and attorneys. The Center has contracts with thirty law enforcement and CPS agencies in Northern California to provide these services.
Physical Abuse and Neglect Examinations
Children receive a complete psychosocial evaluation, medical evaluation and treatment, medical forensic consultation, documentation and interpretation of findings. Physically abused children may enter UC Davis Children's Hospital through various pathways (e.g. Emergency Department, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Burn Unit, Pediatric Ward, and the CAARE Center). CAARE Center physicians provide medical forensic consultation, written reports, and coordination with law enforcement agencies and county social workers.
Acute Child and Adolescent Sexual Abuse Examinations
Acute exams are performed when sexual abuse is disclosed within 72 hours of the incident. An acute exam involves a physical examination to collect evidence, forensic photography, and documentation of findings. These examinations are performed in accordance with the California Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims and the standard state forms (OES 930 for acute exams and OES 925 for non-acute exams). See state website: www.ocjp.ca.gov to obtain the protocol and forms published by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services.
These examinations must be conducted promptly to prevent the deterioration of evidence. An acute evidentiary exam may also be indicated in cases up to 14 days after a sexual assault under specified circumstances. The CAARE Team is composed of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pediatricians who provide these services 24/7.
Non-Acute Child Sexual Abuse Examinations
The focus of a non-acute medical forensic examination is to look for signs of healed injury, irregularities in the genital structures due to chronic sexual abuse, and sexually transmitted disease. CAARE Team nurse practitioners, physician assistants and pediatricians perform these exams.
Medical Services