Site Description
The CHECK pilot program started in January of 2012 as a clinic designated solely to evaluate and help children in foster care. There are 19,000 children in foster care in Ohio and 2,100 children in foster care in Hamilton County, many of whom have suffered child abuse and neglect. Within 5 days of placement, these children come for their state-mandated doctor's visit. They are evaluated for abuse and neglect, checked for communicable diseases, and any needs of the foster parent are addressed. Within 30 days of their placement, the children come back for a comprehensive evaluation, including mental health, developmental status, vision/hearing screening, and any immunizations they need. The child is referred to services that can assist them, and a primary care physician is identified and established. Starting in September 2012, CHECK Foster Care Clinic will see every child entering the foster care system in Hamilton County.
Job Description
- Shadow in the clinic with one of two child abuse pediatricians daily.
- Observe forensic interviews in cases of suspected abuse.
- Attend weekly team meetings to review complicated cases of that week.
- Perform assisted well-child checks.
- Gain an understanding of social work and how pediatricians and social workers work together.
- Attend and possibly present at literature reviews.
- Conduct a research project involving the unique needs of foster parents and children in foster care.
- Explore the resources available to foster families, including financial help, doctors' appointments, training for foster parents and special school programs for children in foster care.
- Be exposed to the daily struggles of foster parents and children in the foster care system and gain the knowledge of how to help, especially with their medical issues.