Welcome

The Division of Child Abuse Pediatrics was created in 2006 after the American Board of Pediatrics formally recognized child abuse as a subspecialty. With one of the first divisions dedicated to child abuse, the Department of Pediatrics at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is at the forefront of research and education in this emerging field.

Faculty members work closely with Child Protective Services (CPS), CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children's Hospital Emergency Room nurses, the Center for Miracles and ChildSafe to facilitate appropriate investigation for suspected abuse cases. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) are specially trained nurses in the Children's Emergency Room who conduct examinations on suspected abuse victims. At ChildSafe, children who are suspected victims of sexual abuse are also evaluated. This facility also follows up on examinations conducted by SANEs.

At the Center for Miracles, physicians examine and interview suspected victims of physical abuse and neglect and their siblings. These faculty members also consult with CPS social workers and testify in court as medical experts. As medical director of the Center for Miracles, Division Chief Dr. Nancy Kellogg reviews examinations and photo documentation of suspected abuse cases conducted by SANEs in the Children's Emergency Room.

Faculty members received more than $800,000 in service grants in its first year. The division is one of four UT medical school programs tapped to establish a statewide system to provide medical consultation and support for CPS. Provided through Senate Bill 6, funding is anticipated to extend through 2009. Other grants fund education for pediatricians and consultations with CPS.