Sue Smith, B.A., B.S., M.S.W., Child Protection Team Coordinator, and Linda DeVries, M.A., M.S.W., Clinical Social Worker, face a problem every day that most people don’t even like to admit exists. As social workers on the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital’s Child Protection Team, Smith and DeVries help coordinate the investigation of possible child abuse and neglect, help medical staff identify abuse, and act as liaisons to outside investigative agencies.

The six-member Child Protection Team, including two physicians, two social workers, and two administrative assistants, handled about 550 cases last year in which abuse or neglect was likely involved. The team evaluates cases that come through the hospital and the outpatient clinic, trains doctors to recognize signs of abuse, and offers second opinions in suspected child abuse cases statewide through a contract with the Michigan Family Independence Agency.

Marie Lozon, M.D., Division Director, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Michigan Health System, Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, and Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, is very familiar with the social workers’ strong commitment. “I cannot say enough about the dedication of these two women,” she says. “They have a great deal of knowledge about how the system works, and they are a great help to us in the Emergency Department as a resource to help these kids get the right care.” Lozon adds, “It is often a thankless job, but they have both been doing it for years and maintain a zeal that is very admirable.”

When asked how they deal with the constant pressure of determining when abuse is involved, DeVries answers, “What you have to believe within yourself is that this job makes a difference in someone’s life.”

STOPPING ABUSE AT THE SOURCE

Abuse is a problem that crosses all economic, social, and racial boundaries. “People ask where this problem comes from,” Smith says. “Abusers are raised by society. You have to look at the bigger picture,” she continues. “How can we help families and kids to stay together and thrive?” The answer is prevention. “That is where my heart is,” Smith says.

Prevention of child abuse includes ending domestic abuse. “In almost half of the homes where child abuse is present, domestic violence is also a problem,” says Smith. “We can’t end child abuse without making sure the parent is OK as well.” In response to the problem, the University of Michigan Health System started an Abuse Prevention Initiative called “Abuse Hurts” to call attention to this issue and help end the cycle of abuse.

When DeVries and Smith are asked to consult on a case, too often abuse has already taken place. To save kids before abuse happens is ideal, Smith says. That is the ultimate goal, but in the meantime, Smith and DeVries will continue to use their extensive experience, focus on the facts of each case, and protect children who are victims of abuse and neglect.