Guidelines on Paediatric Forensic Examinations in Relation to Possible Child Sexual Abuse
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The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health |
October, 01 , 2012
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health |
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In 1988 the Association of Police Surgeons (APS -now incorporated into the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine) and the British Paediatric Association (BPA - now the Royal College of Paediatric and Child Health) wrote a ‘Joint Statement on Child Sexual Abuse’ which described good practice for those members of the two bodies who conduct assessments of children who may have been sexually abused (APS & BPA, Appendix I, in Report of the Inquiry into Child Abuse in Cleveland 1987 HMSO 1988. re-issued in 1993). This version updates the original statement and versions 1988, 2002, 2007 and 2009. Amendments to the document reflect changes in legislation. This document attempts to address the deficiencies in the previous statements by describing further elements of good practice. These amendments are summarized as follows: It is essential that high quality photo documentation be obtained during a paediatric forensic examination. If this is not obtained the practitioner must document in his/her notes the reasons for this; A single doctor can conduct a paediatric forensic examination provided he/she has all the necessary skills; The examining doctor must ensure that they are familiar with evidence-based guidance regarding the interpretation of the signs.
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