Child Protection Center helps children recover from abuse   Loma Linda University Children's Hospital is committed to being a safe place for the hope and healing of abused children.   Nearly 3 million cases of child abuse are reported annually in the United States. The emotional trauma experienced by an abused child is incomprehensible. The Child Protection Center of Loma Linda University Children's Hospital works closely with San Bernardino County's social work department, law enforcement officers, and the district attorney's office. Together they assess a child's case; perform forensic evaluations that may help bring perpetrators to justice; treat the physical effects of abuse; and provide a safe and friendly environment for children as they undergo therapy. One of the major benefits of having all of these services integrated in the Child Protection Center is that children only have to tell their stories once--minimizing the trauma of reliving the abuse. In addition to having the physical effects of their abuse treated at the Child Protection Center, children receive special therapeutic services. In these sessions, puppets, books, toys, and games are used to simulate situational experiences that help children express their feelings and cope with the abuse they suffered. These items are also used as assessment tools and play important roles in forensic interviews in the prosecution of sexual abuse cases. The Child Protection Center provides a wide variety of psychotherapeutic services to children and their families who have experienced sexual abuse. Therapy is also provided to children and families who are at a high risk for abuse and other multi-problematic issues. Play therapy, art therapy, interactive group play therapy, and family play therapy are methods used to help children work through their abuse. Clare M. Sheridan, MBBCh, medical director of the Child Protection Center, is one of 300 forensic pediatricians in the United States, but one of only 50 who practice this specialty full-time. "Each child's story of abuse brings sadness and heavy hearts to our Child Protection Center's staff," says Dr. Sheridan. "But the happiness and sense of accomplishment we feel is unsurpassed when a child has physically and emotionally recovered from the abuse and is able to trust humanity again."   University | Medical_Center | LLU&MC_home | Search_&_index | News_&_events | Employment | Contact | Our_mission All contents copyright © 2001 Loma Linda University. All rights reserved. Revised Monday, January 8, 2001 9:17 AM Send comments and questions to webmaster@univ.llu.edu URL: http: //www.llu.edu