Massachusetts Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Services provide 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.
Here for you:
- At the Children’s Advocacy Center we practice a team approach to the care and treatment of children who may have been sexually abused.
- A Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (Pedi SANE) is part of the team available for your child and family. The Pedi SANE can provide information regarding growth and development, sexuality and preventing sexually transmitted diseases. They can also answer any other questions you or your child might have.
- The Pedi SANE nurse is specially-trained to care for children when there is a concern or report of sexual abuse. This care may include the recommendation that a child have a special exam known as a forensic medical exam.
- A Pedi SANE exam or consultation is available at no charge to families.
The Importance of Exams:
This forensic exam is not invasive and it is important for many reasons
- To ensure the health and well-being of your child.
- To reassure your child that everything is okay with their body.
- To diagnose and treat medical conditions that may be related to sexual abuse.
- To document any possible physical and forensic findings.
- To collect forensic evidence that may be present on the child’s body (if exam is conducted within 72 hours of last contact).
The MA SANE Program cares for individuals (patients) of all ages through several service delivery models including SANE hospital services for adults and adolescents across the Commonwealth. Click HERE to see the SANE site hospitals.
FAQs About Pedi SANE Program
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 invasive.
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 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.
What Other Pedi SANE Services Can Be Provided to Children & 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.
