Child Abuse Network Inc

Mental Health Consultations and Referrals (1,495 consultations / twelve months ending 12/31/2024, average 109/ month): Child abuse investigations can be very overwhelming, and many children and families have difficulties dealing with new emotions and anxieties. CAN assists families in many ways, including crisis intervention, consultation, and referrals to appropriate therapeutic services and community support programs. CAN employs mental health professionals who have extensive knowledge in child development, the dynamics of abuse, crisis intervention, family systems, and community resources. Their primary focus is to provide immediate support and information to children and their nonoffending caregivers, so they can establish long-term relationships with appropriate community support programs and therapeutic services.

Medical Evaluations (522 evaluations / twelve months ending 12/31/2024, average 44 / month): Specially trained child abuse pediatricians and a nurse (LPN) from the University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine (Tulsa) provide child abuse medical evaluations. The medical component is designed to respond to same/next day requests from child welfare (DHS) and law enforcement. By coordinating with child welfare and law enforcement, CAN assures that medical evaluations are conducted during the childs appointment at CAN as part of a child abuse investigation, thus avoiding multiple exams by different providers. Medical evaluations are one of CANs most critical services. Medical findings assist investigators in determining whether abuse has occurred. Additionally, the child-friendly medical experts often relieve any anxiety that children may have about the health of their body.

Team Reviews/Case Management (76 meeting / twelve months ending 12/31/2024, average 6 / month, 177 total children in cases : Case investigators have the opportunity to meet formally with team-agency representatives to discuss and exchange information related to specific child abuse cases. The team seeks to combine the insight and professional knowledge of individual team members and agency representatives for a more complete understanding of case issues and a more supportive response for the child and their nonoffending caregivers.