The Spurwink Child Abuse Program

The Spurwink Child Abuse Program was developed in response to the demand in Maine for expert diagnostic and treatment services for children who may have been abused. Program staff have particular expertise in the assessment and treatment of children for abuse. Through a combination of individual and team services, the best mode of evaluation and treatment is chosen for each child and family.

Services to Children & Families:

Medical/Forensic Evaluation

Many of the children who are seen at Spurwink's Child Abuse Program receive this service. The evaluation includes an interview of the parent or guardian and an examination of the child by the program physician or nurse practitioner. The evaluation results in a medical diagnosis pertaining to the question of abuse and recommendations for further evaluation and treatment.

Psychosocial/Evidentiary Interview

Evidentiary interviews of children are completed by specially trained masters level professionals in order to obtain specific information regarding abuse concerns. The evaluation includes an interview of the parent or guardian to obtain a psychological history and information about abuse concerns, and a standardized forensic interview of the child.

Psychological Evaluation

Psychological evaluations of parents and children focus on such issues as the psychological impact of abuses, parenting functioning, and treatment recommendations. A common component of the evaluation is a parent-child interaction observation

Multidisciplinary Team Evaluations

In selected cases, the entire team works together on the evaluation which allows for a comprehensive assessment of the child and family.

Treatment Services

Treatment Services are offered to help children cope with the emotional and behavioral effects of abuse including sexual behavior problems. Parents receive counseling to help them with their own reaction to their child’s abuse, as well as to assist them in managing of their child’s emotional and behavioral symptoms.

Emergency Evaluations

Staff are available for emergency evaluations. Some factors used to determine the need to be seen immediately are: recent abuse, acute injuries, or immediate risk.

Referrals

Infants, children, and adolescents who may have experienced physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect may be referred to our program for diagnostic assessment and treatment. Parents in families where there are concerns of abuse may also be referred for psychological evaluations.

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2007 Northern New England Conference on Child Maltreatment

Spurwink Child Abuse Program
Larry Ricci, M.D., Director
17 Bishop Street, First Floor
Portland, ME 04103
1-800-260-6160
207-879-6160
TDD: 207-874-6134
FAX: 207-871-5668