This clinic provides urgent and elective assessments of children and youth who are suspected of having experienced maltreatment, in any of its forms. The clinic is staffed by pediatricians with recognized expertise in child maltreatment who work collaboratively with the entire CAAP team. The goals of each assessment are to provide a medically-based opinion regarding the possibility that maltreatment has occurred, to evaluate affected children for signs and symptoms of maltreatment-related emotional trauma and to provide an objectively formulated, evidence-based written report.
Clinic pediatricians also perform file reviews of current and historical maltreatment cases for child protection agencies and lawyers for family and criminal court (Crown and defense attorneys).
For more information, visit the Child Advocacy and Assessment Program page for patients and families.
Patients/Conditions To Refer
Any child or youth, under the age of 18 who is suspected of having experienced any form of abuse (physical, sexual or emotional), neglect (including exposure to intimate partner violence/adult conflict) or Caregiver Fabricated Illness in a Child (formerly referred to as Munchausen’s Syndrome by Proxy) can be referred for an assessment in this clinic.
If an urgent referral is needed from a child protection agency or care provider, a CAAP physician is on-call and available 24/7/365 and can be reached through our office at McMaster Children’s Hospital (905) 521-2100 ext. 73268 during regular business hours or through the hospital switchboard. Our telephones are answered between 8am and 4pm daily.
Referral & Contact Information
Referrals
Phone: 905 521-2100 ext 73268.
Fax: 905-522-7982
There is no specific clinic referral form. Please indicate the following patient data as part of the referral: Name; Date of Birth; HCN; Current legal guardian and contact information; Current or past CAS/FACS involvement (Y/N) and worker’s name if applicable; Reason for concern for maltreatment.
Assessment Options
- In-person visits
- Virtual consultations
Estimated Wait Times
Same day appointments for urgent cases. Elective cases are seen within 2-3 days or up to 2 weeks.