Development of a hospital based child protection team in Cambodia

Children’s health institutions are vital to child protection. A recent cross-sectional household survey in Cambodia revealed the pervasiveness of different forms of violence against children. As in many developing... [ view full abstract ]

Children’s health institutions are vital to child protection. A recent cross-sectional household survey in Cambodia revealed the pervasiveness of different forms of violence against children. As in many developing countries, the medical and socio-legal infrastructure required for child protection services is in its infancy in Cambodia and healthcare and allied professionals therefore need significant training and support. Through the formation of child protection teams and collaboration with trained professionals, hospitals can increase patient protection and strengthen medical care. A child abuse pediatrician from USA educated Cambodian pediatric residents, social workers, and other hospital staff at Angkor Hospital for Children (AHC), Siem Reap, Cambodia in 2012 on the definitions, recognition and evaluation of child abuse victims; and assisted with policy and guideline development. In the following 3 years, the social work team expanded, developing child abuse-specific roles within the team. Five pediatricians now evaluate suspected sexual abuse cases. A workshop for doctors, nurses and social workers was developed by the child abuse pediatrician and education director and held twice in 2015. Pre- and post- tests, course evaluations and classroom discussions revealed issues with recognition and management of physical abuse, the need to develop strategies to minimize re-traumatization, language barriers with social workers and duration of training, which will be addressed in future endeavors. We now have a reproducible course for all clinicians and social workers at AHC and plan to develop more specialized training for the child protection team and basic training for other hospital staff. Angkor Hospital for Children has established a child protection team consisting of social workers, physicians, and educators. It is a resource to the victims and families, the community, NGOs working with this population and law enforcement. This model can be duplicated in other hospitals in low income countries.