Core content for residency training in child abuse and neglect

Since the identification of child abuse as a medical diagnosis, physicians have become resources to children, families, and communities to assist in diagnosing abuse, consulting with community agencies, testifying in courts of law, administering abuse prevention programs, and participating on teams to investigate and manage child abuse. Because the distribution of pediatric specialists in child abuse is limited, primary care physicians often are asked to perform these functions. Even in the face of this increasing demand, the education of physicians in the field of child abuse is very limited. Primary care residency programs can provide a good initial base to prepare physicians for forensic evaluations. This document outlines the basic elements of residency education in child abuse and neglect.