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What to Expect...
Below is information related to what you can expect when you come to Melody of Hope for services.
Medical Evalu WTE
Medical Evaluation
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Medical Exams are a vital part of the investigative process. Medical Exams help to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the child and can provide reassurance and education to the family. Exams can also assess the child for any developmental, emotional, or behavioral problems that possibly need further evaluation or treatment.
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Once a referral is made to Melody of Hope, a staff member will typically reach out to the child's caregiver to set up a convenient time for the medical evaluation. If both a forensic interview and a medical evaluation are referred, every effort will be made to hold the medical evaluation after the forensic interview.
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Medical evaluations typically last between an hour and a half and two hours. Parents/Caregivers should plan appropriately. Melody of Hope has toys, books, and videos to occupy children and a limited supply of snacks on hand.
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During the medical evaluation, the physician will need to meet privately with the parent/caregiver. Please be prepared to have an appropriate support person along to care for small children.
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Medical examinations performed at Melody of Hope are conducted by a qualified healthcare provider with specific training in child sexual abuse and maltreatment.
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Circumstances under which a medical evaluation is necessary are unique to each situation; however, it is the recommendation of Melody of Hope's Medical Director that all children should have a comprehensive medical examination, regardless of the circumstances and/or allegation.
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Melody of Hope's comprehensive medical evaluations include a detailed medical history as well as a physical examination. This medical history-taking process is not a forensic interview, and the information gathered will be applied to the physical examination in determining whether diagnostic testing or imaging studies may be indicated.
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Following the history-gathering process, the child is allowed to determine who (s)he would like to have in the examination room beside the medical staff. This allows the child to have control over this aspect of the assessment process.
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The physical examination follows. This is a complete head-to-toe examination, including the child's temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and current weight/height. The exam will also include an external inspection of the genitalia and anal area to make sure they appear normal. This evaluation is designed to be minimally invasive, and there are no shots or needles. Speculum exams are never involved in the examination of a premenstrual child/adolescent.
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If a sexual assault kit is requested, a Melody of Hope medical provider will swab with a Q-tip around the genitalia and mouth.
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After the examination process, the Medical Director will share any findings and make recommendations for appropriate referrals to the parent or non-offending caregiver.
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Melody of Hope respects the rights of all we serve. All information at the Center is treated respectfully and protected by state and federal privacy laws. Regardless of the outcome, the process can be stressful for families, and it is important that everyone gets the support they need. Please let our staff know if we can be of service.
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