SAFE-CARE Provides Free Child Abuse and Neglect Training for Missouri Medical Professionals

Since 1989, the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination – Child Abuse Resource and Education, or SAFE-CARE, program has provided training and support to medical professionals across Missouri who care for alleged victims of child abuse and neglect.  In partnership with three of Missouri’s leading children’s hospitals, SAFE-CARE offers annual training conferences, a child abuse teleECHO clinic, regional peer review meetings, and one-on-one mentorship to a network of over 50 advanced practice nurses, physicians, and physician assistants that are dedicated to providing the highest quality medical care to maltreated children.

SAFE-CARE Medical Training is an annual, two-day conference that introduces participants to the basics of medical-forensic evaluations for child physical and sexual abuse.  The training is entirely developed and delivered by Board Certified child abuse pediatricians, and is free of charge for any medical professional licensed in Missouri that is interested in learning more about child abuse and neglect.

After completing SAFE-CARE Training, eligible candidates are invited to apply to join the SAFE-CARE provider network. SAFE-CARE providers play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children that are subject to an abuse/neglect investigation by:

• Evaluating injuries in the context of a reported incident
• Providing thorough documentation of injuries
• Collecting forensic evidence when appropriate
• Providing accurate information & reassurance to children & families in the wake of child sexual abuse/assault
• Providing comprehensive medical care & treatment for underlying conditions
• Communicating exam findings to child protection partners, and helping them to understand how findings relate to abuse allegations
• Providing occasional court testimony to help judges and juries understand the significance of exam findings

The next SAFE-CARE Medical Training will be held virtually March 9-10, 2021.  For more information, please contact Rebecca Bax, SAFE-CARE Program, Missouri KidsFirst, by email: rebeccabax@missourikidsfirst.org, or phone: 573/632-4600.