Child Protection Services

Comprehensive child abuse care for children in St. Louis.

Childhood is full of opportunity, but far too many children fail to reach their full potential because of abuse or neglect. Every day children are injured or killed as a result of maltreatment. Children deserve support, assistance and the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life.

We provide expert assessments of abused children in a compassionate, child-friendly manner.

Our Child Protection Services, in collaboration with the SLUCare Physician Group, provide expert medical evaluations for children who are victims or suspected victims of:

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect

We offer both inpatient and outpatient consultative services in a compassionate, child-friendly environment designed to reduce trauma and promote healing.

What child protective services do we provide?

• Evaluation of suspected physical or sexual abuse and neglect
• Telephone consultation, triage, and crisis intervention
• Counseling recommendations and referrals
• Educational opportunities regarding child abuse for health care, legal, child protection and law enforcement personnel
• Community outreach to groups, organizations and schools regarding child abuse and its prevention

What are the warning signs of child abuse or neglect?

These are a few signs that might signal a child is in danger. If you think something is wrong or doesn't feel right, report your concerns.

• Inappropriate anger toward adults or other children
• Sudden, dramatic changes in personality or activities
• Age inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior
• Frequent or unexplained bruises or injuries
• Low self-esteem
• Poor hygiene
• Injury to self, such as “cutting”

How to report suspected child abuse.

The safest way to report suspicion of child abuse or neglect is to call the Child Protection Hotline.

• In Missouri, call  800-392-3738.
• In Illinois, call  800-252-2873.

Contact Us

For assistance, concerns or appointments, please call  314-577-5347, option #1. Our team staffs the Sexual Abuse Management (SAM) clinic at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon where appointments can be made to evaluate suspected child sexual abuse. You can also email us at childpro@slu.edu or cgch.childprotection.gen@ssmhealth.com.