Child Abuse

Residents interested in Child Abuse should seek out elective and procedure experiences that provide exposure to the evaluation and management of suspected abuse, forensic documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration with law enforcement, social services, and legal professionals. Rotations should emphasize trauma-informed care, comprehensive assessment of physical and emotional injuries, and advanced advocacy for vulnerable populations.

Contact

Kathi Makaroff

Essential Electives

Recommended Electives

This half-block elective will provide residents with targeted experience in pediatric imaging relevant to the identification of physical abuse, including skeletal surveys, CT, and MRI interpretation. Emphasis will be placed on detecting signs of non-accidental trauma, dating injuries, and differentiating accidental from intentional findings.

This half-block elective will focus on the identification and management of toxic ingestions, substance exposure, and potential poisoning in the pediatric population. Residents will learn to identify patterns of exposure that may indicate neglect or intentional harm, collaborate with poison control, and provide evidence-based treatment.

This half-block elective will offer residents additional exposure to pediatric psychiatry, with a focus on trauma-informed care, behavioral responses to abuse, and the mental health sequelae of maltreatment. Residents will participate in interdisciplinary rounds with mental health professionals and gain experience in the assessment and support of children with complex trauma histories.

Other Electives

This half-block elective must be arranged as an Individualized Elective and will provide residents with focused experience in the evaluation and management of genitourinary injuries and concerns related to sexual abuse. Residents will work closely with pediatric gynecologists, observe forensic examinations, and participate in interdisciplinary case reviews.

This half-block elective must be arranged as an Individualized Elective and will focus on the unique health needs of adolescents who have experienced abuse or neglect. Residents will gain exposure to complex case management, reproductive health, and strategies for engaging with vulnerable youth populations in a confidential and trauma-sensitive manner.

In this half- or full-block elective, residents will work with pediatric palliative care teams to address the emotional and physical impact of serious illness and trauma on children and families. Emphasis will be placed on communication strategies for discussing complex and sensitive topics, as well as managing symptoms associated with trauma and chronic stress.

This half-block elective must be arranged as an Individualized Elective and will allow residents to gain experience at the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office. Residents will participate in forensic autopsies of pediatric cases, with a focus on identifying injuries consistent with abuse or neglect and collaborating with law enforcement and forensic pathologists.

Recommended procedures

• Genital examination
• Medical photography
• Evidence collection kit

Optional procedures

• Retinal exam/fundoscopy

Other Experiences

Foundations of Trauma-Informed Care ELM (search on Workday)

This online learning module is available through Cincinnati Children’s Workday platform and provides foundational education on trauma-informed care principles. Topics include recognizing trauma responses, strategies for creating a safe clinical environment, and the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on health outcomes.

Spending Time in the CHECK Foster Care Center

Residents will gain hands-on experience assessing and managing the medical and psychosocial needs of children in foster care, a population at increased risk for abuse and neglect. This rotation emphasizes comprehensive health assessments, multidisciplinary care coordination, and trauma-informed communication with foster parents and caseworkers.

Forensic Interviewing Course (4-5 days)

This intensive course provides training on conducting developmentally appropriate forensic interviews with children who may have experienced abuse or witnessed violence. Participants will learn structured interview protocols, strategies for minimizing retraumatization, and techniques for gathering reliable and legally sound information. This course may include observation of live or recorded forensic interviews and simulated practice with trained interviewers.

Observing Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Residents will observe Parent-Child Interaction Therapy sessions, an evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral issues, often related to exposure to trauma or neglect. This experience highlights therapeutic approaches to strengthening parent-child relationships, reducing problematic behaviors, and building effective communication skills.

Spending Time with Joining Forces for Children (JFfC)

Residents will spend time with JFfC, a Cincinnati-based initiative focused on preventing and addressing childhood adversity through community collaboration. This experience includes participation in multidisciplinary meetings, observing educational outreach, and exploring resources for families impacted by trauma and abuse.

Scholarly Activity

Most applicants pursuing Child Abuse participate in a scholarly project. The project does not have to be housed in the Division specifically, and a wide array of projects have been completed by residents matching into the field. The quality the mentoring and methodology are the most important criteria programs consider.

Professional Organizations

Ray E. Helfer Society – Resident Member

The Helfer Society is the premier organization for physicians specializing in Child Abuse Pediatrics. Resident members gain access to mentorship opportunities, educational resources, the Helfer Society Annual Meeting, and quarterly reports on advances in child maltreatment research.

Website: https://helfersociety.org

AAP Council on Child Abuse and Neglect (COCAN)

A sub-group of the American Academy of Pediatrics, COCAN provides resources, advocacy opportunities, and educational content specific to the prevention, recognition, and management of child abuse and neglect. Residents can join as trainee members and gain access to webinars, policy statements, and child protection resources.

Website: https://www.aap.org/en/community/aap-councils/council-on-child-abuse-and-neglect/

Journals & Online Resources

Child Abuse & Neglect

A leading peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research, reviews, and policy analyses related to child maltreatment, child protection systems, and intervention outcomes.

Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/child-abuse-and-neglect

AAP National Center for Relational Health and Trauma-Informed Care

A comprehensive resource center offering educational modules, policy statements, and clinical tools focused on trauma-informed care in pediatric settings. Resources include webinars, case studies, and guidance on implementing trauma-informed practices in medical settings.

Website: https://www.aap.org/en/community/aap-sections/child-abuse-and-neglect/relational-health/

Ray E. Helfer Society Quarterly Report (free with membership)

This quarterly publication provides updates on new research, case discussions, and expert insights on topics in child maltreatment. Membership grants access to all back issues, educational webinars, and mentorship connections.

Website: https://helfersociety.org