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A Practical Guide to the Evaluation of Child Physical Abuse and Neglect pp 403–424Cite as

Multidisciplinary Teams

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Abstract

Cases of child abuse that reach the media are often cases in which child protective service systems are being blamed for allowing children to die in their care. Despite current efforts, an Internet search of child fatalities reveals thousands of headlines of recent deaths of children who were under child protective service (CPS) agency supervision. A thorough, effective investigation of child abuse and neglect can have tremendous effect on the outcome of a case. These stories highlight the breakdowns of the investigations and tend to place blame on those involved. While it is horrifying that cases under investigation can result in such dismal outcomes, the reality is that child maltreatment investigations are complex and difficult. The goal of the investigation is to help create a safe environment that fosters the child’s health and development while simultaneously holding accountable the person or persons who put the child in harms way.

3 more with DHS files die: the commissioner pointed to added urgency for change

Philadelphia Inquirer, 6-2-07

Infant dies in family under DC supervision

Washington Post, January 19, 2001

Lifting the Veil of Secrecy: Following the deaths of several abused kids in Tucson, lawmakers aim to reform Child Protective Services

Tucson Weekly, March 20, 2008

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Maria D. McColgan MD (Pediatrician, Director of the Child Protection Program)

  2. Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Allan DeJong MD (Clinical Professor of Pediatrics)

Authors
  1. Maria D. McColgan MD
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  2. Allan DeJong MD
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Texas Children's Health Plan, Inc., Holcombe Blvd. 2450, Houston, 77021, Texas, USA

    Angelo P. Giardino

  2. Texas Children’s Hospital, Children's Assessment Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Fannin St. 6621, Houston, 77030-2399, Texas, USA

    Michelle A. Lyn

  3. School of Nursing at Houston, Department of Integrative Care, University of Texas, Bertner 6901, Houston, 77030, Texas, USA

    Eileen R. Giardino

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McColgan, M.D., DeJong, A. (2010). Multidisciplinary Teams. In: Giardino, A., Lyn, M., Giardino, E. (eds) A Practical Guide to the Evaluation of Child Physical Abuse and Neglect. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0702-8_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0702-8_13

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-0701-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-0702-8

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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