Pediatric Forensic Services
The Westchester Institute for Human Development’s Pediatric Forensic Services Department houses programs focused on the identification and prevention of child abuse and neglect. With our academic affiliation with New York Medical College School of Medicine, New York Medical College School of Health Sciences, and the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, WIHD is poised to provide comprehensive coordinated services for multi-disciplinary professionals. Comprised of highly skilled medical, mental health, advocacy, and community prevention leaders, our department follows evidence-based practice in our respective fields.
Meet the Pediatric Forensic Services Team
Jennifer Canter MD, MPH, FAAP, CLCP, CRC
Program Director
Dr. Jennifer Canter is a board-certified pediatrician and sub-specialist in Child Abuse Pediatrics. She’s led the Child Abuse Pediatrics programs at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at WMCHealth, Westchester Institute for Human Development and New York Medical College since 2002. She is a Professor of Pediatrics at the New York Medical College School of Medicine and a Professor of Disability and Health at the New York Medical College School of Health Sciences and Practice. Dr. Canter is chief of the Section of Child Abuse Pediatrics at Westchester Medical Center (WMCHealth) and is widely published in the field (click here to see Dr. Canter’s research profile). Dr. Canter is actively involved in the review and analysis of unexpected deaths within New York State with a focus on prevention and education having developed statewide prevention programs in the areas of traumatic brain injury and safe sleep. Given her interest in long-term outcomes for adults and children with physical and developmental disabilities, after catastrophic injury, Dr. Canter achieved certification as a life care planner (CLCP) and vocational evaluator (CRC). She’s testified as an expert in hundreds of civil and criminal proceedings across the country in the areas of sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, long-term care needs (damages assessments) and child fatalities.