Alberta child abuse program swamped

Organizers of an Edmonton program for investigating alleged child abuse have seen 50% more children than predicted during the program's first year of operation. Of the 450 cases, more than half involved alleged sexual abuse and 236 cases involved children under age 5. Linda McConnan, coordinator of Capital Health's Child and Adolescent Protection Centre, says there was pent-up demand for this type of centre. It differs from a similar program in Winnipeg because it has a pediatric social worker on site.

Children are referred from child welfare agencies or local police. While the children play in a separate area, a history is taken from parents or caregivers. The children then choose someone to accompany them while they are physically examined by one of the centre's 2 physicians. The examination is videotaped and the second doctor reviews the findings. The team then meets the child's family to discuss the results, and a report is made to the referral source.

Pediatrician Lionel Dibden, who now devotes half his time to the program, says that many of the cases never reach the courtroom, but he has already testified a few times and has several subpoenas regarding further appearances sitting on his desk. Dibden is well aware of the need for physician witnesses to be neutral when making court appearances. “We are trying to provide the most accurate medical evidence that we can, and try not to be seen as an advocate. There sometimes are concerns that medical people are biased in favour of the child.” —