Coming to KIDS Center for an evaluation?

Coming to KIDS Center can be a daunting prospect so lets us share with you what will happen to put your mind at rest.

What happens when we get to KIDS Center?
When you and your child arrive at KIDS Center, our intake staff will take your completed paperwork. Although we do not charge you for our services, we do bill insurance companies. Please bring insurance information with you.

The Medical Team will introduce themselves to you and your child, and briefly explain to you the evaluation process. First, you are spoken with in order to obtain consent for treatment as well as a caregiver history. Your child can wait in the play room during this time. Although we have support staff to supervise young children, we encourage you to bring someone to stay with your child.

Following the caregiver history, you will return to the waiting area; your child will then accompany the Medical Team for an interview and examination. Before and after the interview and examination, you will have the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns with the medical team regarding your child’s evaluation.

What can I tell my child about the visit?
You might tell your child, “You and I are going to KIDS Center. It is a special place where kids go to talk to adults and get a medical check-up to make sure that you are healthy and safe. You are not in any trouble.” Inform your child that there are no shots or “owies” during their check-up.

Children can be told that a urine sample may be needed to check for infections. If we take a sample, these will be sent to the hospital and there will be charges for these tests billed by the hospital.

What happens during the interview?
If your child is over the age of 4, he/she will likely participate in a recorded interview with a Child Interviewer. The Interviewer has experience in talking with children of all ages. The Interviewer’s goal is to make your child feel as comfortable as possible while gathering information to determine if your child is healthy and safe. Questions are asked in a non-leading and non-threatening manner. The Interviewer moves at a pace that is comfortable for your child and never forces a child to talk with them.

Does my child need a medical exam?
Yes. This is a very important part of the evaluation process therefore all children must participate in a medical exam. The process will be explained to your child. Children have choices during the examination and are encouraged to ask any questions he or she may have. The examiner will perform a head to toe examination of your child, and this includes your child’s genitals. The examiner will shine a light from a magnifying instrument called a colposcope on that area of your child's body. This instrument does not touch the child or hurt in any way.

Too often caretakers believe that this examination will be just like the yearly pelvic and pap smear exams adult women experience, but that is not the case.

What happens after my child’s evaluation?
Prior to leaving KIDS Center, you will have an opportunity to talk with the medical evaluation team again. The medical team will tell you in general terms what they learned during the evaluation. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and express any concerns. The team will give you relevant handouts and written instructions regarding their recommendations for your child.

The team will send out reports to professionals involved in the case. With your permission, the report can also be sent to your child’s medical provider and/or counselor. We often make recommendations for your child to have therapy. We have a list of therapists available upon request.