Center for Child Protection

Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital's Center for Child Protection works to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all children. Our team may become involved when there are concerns about physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or other forms of mistreatment.

It is our priority to make both families and children feel heard and supported, while also ensuring that children get the full range of physical, medical, and emotional support and protection they deserve.

Community education and training

We educate and train health care professionals, caseworkers, attorneys and other professionals, organizations, and community members to recognize and understand child welfare issues in Michigan.

Coordination of services and community resources

We serve as a link between the hospital and other professionals involved in a child’s care, making sure all important parties are informed about a child’s health situation and needs. We also have strong partnerships with medical providers and community-based organizations and can help children and families gain access to the resources they need.

Coordination with government and courts

We work closely with Children’s Protective Services (CPS) caseworkers, law enforcement, attorneys, and the court system, providing testimony and documentation when appropriate. Team members are available around the clock for telephone consultations.

Medical evaluations and care

Our multidisciplinary team of medical specialists work to identify, diagnose, and treat medical issues related to child abuse and neglect. We evaluate children with unexplained symptoms or injuries or when the circumstances surrounding those injuries were not reliably witnessed. After the evaluation, our team will develop an individual action plan to meet the child’s health and safety needs.

Our team makes every effort to help kids feel as safe and comfortable as possible during examination and treatment.