Child Abuse

Family Health Center conforms to the Genesys Regional Medical Center Child Abuse Policy listed below which requires reporting of all child abuse cases.

The physician or office staff must report to the child protective services the alleged abuse. This is mandatory and completion of the Child Abuse Reporting Form must be done.

Policy Statement
It is the policy of Genesys Regional Medical Center that all cases of suspected child abuse and neglect will be reported to the appropriate county Protection Service office immediately, as required by law. The following professional groups are mandated by law to make an oral report or cause an oral report to be made immediately: Physicians, Coroners, Dentists, Medical Examiners, Nurses, a person licensed to provide emergency medical care, Audiologists, Psychologists, Family Therapists, Certified Social Workers, Social Workers, Social Work Technicians, School Administrators, School Counselors and Teachers, Law Enforcement Officers, and duly registered child care providers.

Purpose of Policy
To ensure safety of children by reporting cases of suspected child abuse or neglect, in compliance with the State of Michigan Child Protection Law.

Policy Detail
Procedure:

1. When child abuse or neglect is suspected, the physician, nurse, or social worker immediately contacts Child Protective Services at (810) 760-2222 (24-hours a day, 7 days a week number), and provides the Child Protective Services caseworker with the requested information. The hospital social worker is contacted to perform or to facilitate the procedure as needed. The FIA 3200 form is completed and forwarded to the hospital social worker. The original is given or mailed to the Child Protective Services caseworker 72-hours, and the yellow copy remains on the child's chart. All activity is documented in the child's medical record.
2. If child sexual abuse or serious physical injury has occurred, the appropriate police agency is also contacted. Photos may be taken if there are visible physical injuries, and parental consent may be obtained, but is not required. Photos are forwarded to the hospital social worker when developed, or the photos or film can be given directly to the Child Protective Services caseworker, and document in the medical record that this has been done.
3. If necessary, the child may be detained at the hospital without parent's consent. The Child Protection Law states, "If a child suspected of being abused or neglected is admitted to a hospital or brought to a hospital for out-patient services and the attending physician determines that the release of the child would endanger the child's health or welfare, the attending physician shall notify the person in charge, and the Family Independence Agency. The person in charge may detain the child in temporary custody until the next regular business day of the Probate Court, at which time the Probate Court shall order the child detained in the hospital or in some other suitable place pending a preliminary hearing."
4. The hospital social worker is responsible for follow-up contacts with the Child Protective Services caseworker and patient and family to obtain and provide information, provide supportive services to patients and families, and to facilitate communications.
5. Child Protective Services Intake Worker will give your a complaint log number; please put this number on the 3200 for reference.

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