Name
What Do I Say Next? Evidence-Based Responses to Child Maltreatment Disclosures in Pediatric Integrated Care
Description

Initial concerns for child maltreatment often arise unexpectedly during routine primary care or behavioral health visits. Although clinicians are frequently trained not to interfere with a disclosure, many receive little guidance on how to respond in a compassionate, developmentally appropriate, and evidence-based manner in the moment. This interactive panel will review pediatric cases from initial disclosure through clinic response and follow-up, highlighting practical strategies that support the child and family while preserving the integrity of potential investigations. Participants will learn how behavioral health consultants and primary care clinicians can gather helpful information without conducting a forensic interview. Attendees will also engage in brief case-based discussion and optional role-play exercises to practice supportive language and clinical decision-making in real-world scenarios. Participants will leave with practical language and a clear framework for responding confidently and compassionately when a child or caregiver raises concerns about possible maltreatment in integrated care settings.

Content Level
All Audience
Tags
Medical, Pediatrics, Team-based care
Session Type
Concurrent
Objective 1
Recognize common clinical presentations and disclosure patterns that may indicate possible child maltreatment in pediatric primary care and integrated behavioral health settings.
Objective 2
Differentiate between appropriate clinical inquiry and a formal forensic interview, including key principles from APSAC forensic interviewing guidelines.
Objective 3
Implement trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate communication strategies that support children and caregivers while maintaining the integrity of mandated reporting and investigative processes.
Content Reference 1

Chaplo SD, Shepard Abdulahad LD, Keeshin BR. Utilizing screening as a trauma-responsive approach in pediatric health care settings. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care. 2024 Feb;54(2):101548. doi: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2023.101548. Epub 2024 Feb 8. PMID: 38336539.

Content Reference 2

Kuruppu J, Humphreys C, McKibbin G, Hegarty K. Tensions in the therapeutic relationship: emotional labour in the response to child abuse and neglect in primary healthcare. BMC Prim Care. 2022 Mar 17;23(1):48. doi: 10.1186/s12875-022-01661-7. PMID: 35300610; PMCID: PMC8932236.

Content Reference 3

Kairys S. Child Abuse and Neglect: The Role of the Primary Care Pediatrician. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2020 Apr;67(2):325-339. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2019.11.001. PMID: 32122563.

Content Reference 4

Lyon TD. Child Maltreatment, the Law, and Two Types of Error. Child Maltreat. 2023 Aug;28(3):403-406. doi: 10.1177/10775595231176454.

Content Reference 5

Bethell C, Jones J, Gombojav N, Linkenbach J, Sege R. Positive Childhood Experiences and Adult Mental and Relational Health in a Statewide Sample: Associations Across Adverse Childhood Experiences Levels. JAMA Pediatr. 2019;173(11):e193007. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.3007