The Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (Pedi SANE) Program provides direct care to child victims of sexual abuse/assault throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Pedi SANEs provide coordinated, expert forensic and medical care for children and adolescents.
What is a Pedi SANE exam?
A Pedi SANE exam ensures first and foremost the health and well-being of the child. It also provides photo documentation of possible physical and forensic findings, along with allowing for the collection of evidence that may be present on the child’s body or clothing using the Pediatric Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit (when indicated). Pedi SANE exams are not painful or invasive.
What other services do Pediatric SANEs provide for children and families?
The Pedi SANE provides support, teaching, and anticipatory guidance to children and families referred to the Children’s Advocacy Center through face to face and telephone consultation. Skilled intervention provides a sense of well-being and normalcy to not only the child, but to their family.
Will the Pedi SANE consult with my child’s pediatrician?
Yes.
Pedi SANEs will provide a summary of forensic exam findings and act as a liaison between the the child’s parent or guardian and their pediatrician.
If a child is unable to participate in an exam, is another examination always rescheduled?
The importance of repeating an exam would be based on the child’s clinical presentation and the level of concern for injury based on the child’s disclosure. There are times when it is determined that it is not in the best interest of the child to attempt another exam. These decisions are made in conjunction with the child’s parent.
Did You Know?
There are only 10 Pedi-SANE nurses in Massachusetts, all of which are located in Children’s Advocacy Centers.
Katherine Bowles Dudich, MSN, JD
The Pediatric SANE Associate Director of the Massachusetts Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program (SANE)