Your child is one of a kind, so their care should be, too
Every child and every family receives completely customized care. Families see Midwest Children’s Resource Center (MCRC) as a source for education, emotional support and ongoing care.
We realize we’re treating a person who’s been through a life-altering experience. We take into account the physical and emotional repercussions of what they’ve been through. Children are offered an opportunity to talk about their abuse with a specially trained pediatric nurse who then offers an examination that most children find reassuring.
Preparing for a clinic visit
To help us complete initial paperwork and concentrate on your child’s care, it helps to arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. That way, we can complete the registration process and concentrate on what’s most important to you and us—talking with you and taking care of your child.
You and your child will meet separately with health care providers. You may want to bring along a friend or family member that your child is comfortable with to spend time with him or her while you meet with the doctor and nurse.
What will happen during the visit?
Think of your visit to the Midwest Children’s Resource Center like a doctor’s appointment. Our main focus is to make sure your child is physically and mentally healthy. During the appointment, your child may be physically examined as well as interviewed by a nurse, nurse practitioner or physician about suspected child abuse.
Each team member takes an individualized approach, which may include some of the following:
- Initial conversation with you
- Questions about your child’s medical history and the alleged abuse
- Possible interview with your child
- A physical examination, including a detailed external examination of the genital and anal areas
- Possible collection of specimens for medical testing
Most appointments take 90 minutes, though in some cases they can last for as long as three hours. The length of time depends on what the child has been through and needs. Some children may only need one visit, while others are seen for follow-up medical care or ongoing psychological therapy. Some may be referred outside of Children’s to a network of qualified medical and mental health providers.
After the evaluation
After the evaluation you will have time to meet with the medical staff to discuss the findings and to answer your questions. At that time, we will provide you with crisis intervention and support, counseling referrals, and help with applying for the Crime Victims Assistance program as needed. We will work with you to create a game plan for further treatment and care.