This course provides a comprehensive overview of how radiologic professionals play a critical role in identifying and managing cases of suspected child abuse. The course begins by defining child abuse and neglect, outlining the various types—including physical abuse, emotional neglect, educational neglect, medical neglect, and sexual abuse—while examining the key signs and indicators radiologic technologists should be able to recognize.

Participants will review historical efforts to prevent child abuse, current U.S. and Texas statistics, and specific imaging protocols designed for different pediatric age groups. This includes skeletal surveys and protocols for shaken baby syndrome in infants under 23 months, as well as imaging approaches for older children experiencing other forms of physical abuse. The course also explores head trauma and highlights the challenges of recognizing neglect in its various forms, including failure to provide supervision, nourishment, and necessary medical care.

Legal responsibilities are a key component, covering mandatory reporting laws, legal considerations for imaging, and how radiographers must navigate documentation and radiation safety while protecting vulnerable patients. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child abuse rates and reporting procedures is also discussed, along with the evolving role of emergency departments and imaging professionals during that time.

The course concludes with a focus on pediatric imaging best practices, emphasizing radiation dose management, digital radiography standards, fluoroscopy optimization, and the use of child-specific protocols. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of how to balance image quality and patient safety while applying appropriate techniques based on the age and size of the child. This training is essential for radiologic technologists seeking to provide safe, effective imaging while supporting the detection and prevention of child abuse.

*All webinars are held in Central Standard Time and hosted through Zoom.