Mary Bridge Children's Hospital

Child Abuse Intervention

The Child Abuse Intervention Department (CAID) provides medical treatment, psychosocial support, legal advocacy and crisis intervention services for victims or child abuse and their families. CAID also offers strategies for the prevention of child abuse for parents and community groups through our various programs listed below.

Children’s Advocacy Center of Pierce County
The mission of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Pierce County is to reduce the traumatization of child abuse victims and their families by facilitating a collaborative multidisciplinary approach to prevention, investigation, prosecution and treatment of child abuse.  All services for child victims of maltreatment are co-located in the Children’s Advocacy Center of Pierce County on the Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Health Center campus.

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, file a report with the Department of Social and Health Services /Child Protection Services (DSHS/CPS). Call DSHS/CPS 24-hour hotline at 866-END HARM (363-4276) or visit the DSHS website and find your region's local phone number.

Parenting Partnership
Through regular home visits and group sessions, Parenting Partnership staff work alongside parents to help them understand their baby’s unique needs.  Parents learn to respond sensitively to their infant’s cues and create a safe environment that promotes the development of a secure attachment.  Service enrollment lasts from NICU hospital discharge to up to three years.

 

Foster Care Assessment Program (FCAP)
The Foster Care Assessment Program is a statewide program funded by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Managed by Harborview Medical Center, the program is designed to serve children and youth who have remained in foster care without a finalized permanent plan. Harborview Medical Center has contracted with Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital to provide FCAP service locally.

The purpose of FCAP is to provide a comprehensive assessment of a child’s level of functioning in the home, school and community, and to assist with service planning and implementation. The goals are to:

1. Improve the child’s health and wellbeing

2. Help DCFS accomplish permanency

An FCAP evaluator is available at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital to provide assessment and help DCFS implement a plan for each child referred to this program.

 

Sexual and Physical Assault Intervention Program
The Sexual and Physical Assault Intervention Program is a treatment, support and referral based program designed specifically for children age birth to 18 who have concerns about possible sexual or physical assault. The program offers:

• Medical exams

• Psychosocial support

• Education

• Advocacy

• Consultation

All programs are provided FREE of charge to families in Pierce County. For more information, call 253-403-1478.