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APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) At
The Westchester Institute For Human Development (WIHD)
Combats Rising Child Abuse In Westchester County; Receives Designation As “Center for Excellence”
Reports of child abuse in Westchester County rose sharply last year, and recent statistics indicate that these numbers will continue to rise each year. In 2006, the county had over 5900 reports of child abuse or maltreatment, and the Commissioner of Social Services projects 6800 cases by the end of 2008.
The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), at the Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD), plays a significant role in the investigation and assessment of serious physical abuse and sexual abuse reports. The CAC has recently been designated a “Center of Excellence” by the New York State Child Abuse Medical Provider Program (CHAMP). CHAMP’s goal is to improve the New York State medical response to suspected child abuse by improving the examination, treatment, documentation, community referral, and management of suspected child abuse cases. The CAC at WIHD is a child friendly setting where expert medical providers and social workers on staff collaborate with other county agencies involved in the investigation, treatment and prosecution of child abuse.
The CAC is one of only twelve programs in New York State designated as “Centers of Excellence”. The CAC qualifies as a Center of Excellence because Dr. Jennifer Canter, the Medical Director, is a fellowship trained child abuse medical provider whose expertise in the field qualifies her to train and supervise other medical providers to build the statewide capacity of this expertise so that every child who as experienced abuse will have access to high quality care. As such, Dr Canter is a Mentor for the CHAMP training program. In addition, the CAC at WIHD has developed one of only two Child Abuse Pediatrics fellowships in New York State. In 2005, the American Board of Pediatrics designated the field of Child Abuse Pediatrics a subspecialty of Pediatrics; meaning future Child Abuse Pediatricians will have to undergo intensive clinical, research, administrative and advocacy training in a formal fellowship for three years after residency.
About the Westchester Institute for Human Development
For more than 50 years, WIHD has played a critical role in the lives of children and adults with disabilities and their families. As one of only 67 University Centers of Excellence in the country, the Institute is committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities and their families through research, education, and innovative services. WIHD programs focus on the development of children, the safety of vulnerable children, and the support of families and communities to promote the health and well-being of people of all ages.
For more information about the Westchester Institute for Human Development, please call 914-493-8147, or visit www.wihd.org.
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