Summary: 

The Director 0f the Child Protection Team (CPT) was established to assist DCF in the detection and evaluation of suspected child abuse. The CPT mission is threefold: 

• to enhance support services for abused and neglected children  

• to increase public and professional awareness of child abuse and neglect  

• to promote prevention of child abuse and neglect  

This interdisciplinary team involves pediatricians, nurses, caseworkers, and psychologists who collaborate in the assessment of children and families referred by DCF due to allegations of child abuse and neglect. With the establishment of the CPT Assessment Center, it is estimated that CPT will serve and additional 1440 children per year. Within 72 hours after removal from their homes due to suspected abuse or neglect, children ages birth to 18 years are provided medical and psychological screenings to determine appropriate and specific placement recommendations, and to identify signs of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral deficits that may require further assessment and mental health intervention 

The Director of the Child Protection Team is responsible for coordinating the clinical activities by providing administrative direction in cooperation with the Hospital/Department’s administration. Ensures the compliance of the Service with all the Holtz Children’s Hospital and service line rules and regulations regarding clinical patient care, billing documentation and HIPAA, and participates in the development and leadership of quality and safety initiatives and clinical practice improvements.   

Reporting Relationship: 

The Director of the Child Protection Team reports to the Chief of General Pediatric Services. 

Description of Duties and Responsibilities (Administrative and Clinical): 

Operational Oversight 

Responsible for the direction and operation of child protection services and associated professional activities at Holtz Children’s Hospital including being available for assistance and advice when called upon, and assisting in the resolution of identified problems through existing lines of communication.  Responsible for the direction of operation of services provided to patients that may be evaluated for specialized needs and transfer of same. 

Administrative, Operational & Regulatory Assistance & Review 

• Assist in developing, implementing and maintaining, subject to review and approval of the hospital, administrative and clinical policies related to the activities of this Service at Holtz Children’s Hospital and such policies as related to the evaluation of child abuse. 

• Assist with all relevant federal and state statutes, regulations, and administrative instructions, standards of care and the accrediting standards of the Joint Commission and all regulatory agencies. 

• Ensure that HIPAA policies are implemented and followed by all clinical, administrative and research staff of this unit. 

• Make recommendations to the hospital administration regarding the use of hospital personnel, the necessary equipment and general quality standards of patient care in connection with child protection services. 

• Perform and provide specialized care to patients while teaching residents and fellows. 

• Work closely with other services to ensure optimal awareness and care of child abuse patients and child protection services. 

• Ensure that the Service fulfills service responsibilities in the most cost effective manner and cooperates in and complies with infection control and quality assurance. 

Monitoring of Professional Credentials & Teaching Activities 

• Monitor and evaluate the performance of this unit with defined privileges including maintaining licenses, training, techniques and procedures up to date.  Monitor systems for licenses, credentials and re-certification. 

• Develop and monitor educational activities which include instruction of medical students, residency and fellowship training programs. 

• Provide weekly clinic for new patient evaluations, follow up evaluations and post care. 

• Attend annual scientific meetings, seminars, conferences related to this units’ specialty and keep abreast of new developments in the field. 

• Chair weekly service meetings to discuss current/upcoming cases with the Service fellows, residents and medical students. 

Public Relations 

• Represent the Service in its contact with private and public organizations and institutions. 

• Oversee the development of marketing and materials for the unit.  

Research Oversight 

• Prepare research publications to support clinical Service findings. 

Assurance of Patient Coverage 

• Implement the on call schedule for the Service to ensure inpatient and outpatient clinical coverage, rotation through day, night, weekend and holiday call and coverage. 

• Provide inpatient consultations as requested.