(858) 966-4011 chadwickcenter@rchsd.org

Forensic and Medical Services (FMS)

Our multidisciplinary team (MDT), also known as the Child Protection Team (CPT), includes caring and trained professionals from law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical, family advocacy and other CAC staff and community partners.  We provide specialized services to help children and families heal from abuse and trauma by providing a coordinated, compassionate MDT response.  This ensures that children don’t have to share their stories multiple times.

MDT members initiate and authorize a Forensic Interview and/or Medical Exam.  Services are offered in English and Spanish (and other languages through interpretation) to evaluate and treat children and youth who have experienced a potentially traumatic event to support their recovery.

Forensic Interviews

Forensic Interviews are conducted by professionals who have special training and experience in talking with children. The Forensic Interviewer’s goal is to gather factual, comprehensive information that will help investigating agencies (Law Enforcement, Child Welfare Services, etc.) determine next steps in the investigation.  Forensic Interviews are scheduled at the request of the investigating agency and are conducted in a child-friendly interview room. All forensic interviews are recorded and are observed by the members of the MDT in a separate room.

Forensic Medical Exams

Forensic Medical Exams are provided by experienced and compassionate Pediatricians who have specialized training and/or board certification in Child Abuse Pediatrics and are experts in injury diagnosis and documentation, evidence collection and the medical care of maltreated children.  It is recommended that all children who may have been sexually or physically abused receive a Medical Exam by a Child Abuse Pediatrician.

The following types of Medical Exams are available:

    • Sexual abuse examinations
    • Acute sexual assault examinations with evidence collection
    • Physical abuse examinations
    • Exams for neglect, malnutrition and other concerns
    • Non-abuse related genital exams

Family Advocacy

The FMS Family Advocate supports victims, witnesses and their families.  The Family Advocate ensures victims are treated fairly and that their voices are heard.  The Advocate helps the victim and their family members receive the necessary information on resources and services, including, but not limited to:

    • Assistance with the Victims of Crime (VOC) application and claim process
    • Support during Forensic Interviews and Medical Exams
    • Referrals to counseling and community resources
    • Referral to general support services

Short-Term Early Intervention Therapy

The Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI) is a program designed to help families with children and adolescents ages 7-18 exposed to various types of potentially traumatic events, including sexual abuse, sexual assault, physical abuse, domestic violence, community violence, etc.  CFTSI is designed to be brief, lasting approximately 6-8 sessions and focuses on providing skills to help children and families talk about and cope with the difficult feelings that sometimes come up after a traumatic event has occurred.  Referrals to longer-term treatment is available as needed.

FMS Supervisor: Rochelle Chavis, LCSW

Medical Director: Dr. Shalon Nienow

Caregivers/Parents should call:

Phone: (858) 966-4011

CPT Partners with Questions or Who Want to Schedule Appointments should call:

Phone: (858) 966-8951
Fax: (858) 966-8535

Clinic Hours: 8AM – 5PM

For Online NON-Urgent Forensic Interview or Paper Consult Requests:

CPT Partners can scan the QR Code below or complete the online form.

 

 

CPT partners should request a Vidanyx account here.