This has been an eventful quarter for SAFE-CARE! In January, we launched our “Understanding Medical Forensics in Child Abuse Investigations” training for Children’s Division workers. The hope with this training is that we will impart a better understanding of the need for a medical perspective in child abuse investigations, as well as basic knowledge for investigators on the mechanisms of injury and which types of injuries are more indicative of abuse.
In March, we held our annual SAFE-CARE New Provider Training and hosted an unprecedented number of participants from all over the state. New Provider Training teaches medical providers not only about the mechanisms of injuries and the specificity of injuries to abuse, but also how to conduct forensic examinations and make diagnoses of abuse. We expect to see a significant boost to the provider network as a result of this year’s training!
Some upcoming SAFE-CARE events include our Provider Update Training in May, one of many continuing education opportunities that we coordinate for our providers; as well as our monthly webinars; and 5-6 additional offerings of our Children’s Division medical training. Finally, we’re saying goodbye to Annie Wilson, our SAFE-CARE Program Manager for the last two years, but not for good! Annie is heading up our prevention efforts here at Missouri KidsFirst, and Jeni Sommerfeld-Sager will be taking over management of the SAFE-CARE program. We’ll miss you, Annie!
