Center for Child Protection

About the Center for Child Protection

The Center for Child Protection provides comprehensive care and support for children who may have experienced physical or sexual abuse. Our specialized team serves Alameda County and other communities throughout Northern and Central California, caring for hundreds of children each year.

Established in 1984, the center helps connect the medical and legal systems so children can get the care and protection they need.

Our team is led by a pediatrician who is fellowship trained and board certified in child abuse pediatrics, one of the few doctors in Northern California with these credentials. The team includes other doctors, nurse practitioners and social workers, all specially trained to care for children after suspected abuse.

Medical and forensic services

When health care providers, child welfare agencies or law enforcement suspect child abuse, our team provides services such as:

• Medical and forensic consultations

• Medical and forensic exams

• Expert witness testimony

We also accept referrals from community health care providers for children who need a gynecological exam.

SAFE team

Our SAFE team – a group of doctors and advanced practice providers – is available around the clock to provide prompt medical evaluations for alleged sexual assaults that occurred within the past 72 hours.

If more than 72 hours have passed since an alleged assault, we provide forensic exams in our clinic by appointment and at the request of law enforcement.

Mental health and support services

In addition to medical care, we offer a range of mental health, education and support services for children and family members affected by abuse.

Crisis assessment and intervention

In the emergency room, our social workers serve as first responders in suspected child abuse cases. They help address the immediate physical, emotional and legal needs of children and their non-offending family members.

Case management

Our social workers help ensure children receive follow-up medical care after forensic exams. They also provide guidance on navigating the criminal justice process and connect families with community resources.

Psychotherapy

We offer short- and long-term psychotherapy for children younger than 18 who have experienced sexual or physical abuse, as well as for non-offending family members. We use strategies designed to address trauma and its impact over time.

Camp Creating Confident People

This program combines a summer camp experience with group therapy for kids affected by abuse or other violence.

Parenting workshops

Our Parenting After Trauma group workshop offers support and guidance for parents of children affected by abuse.