HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-07-08 - AGENDA REPORTS - CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT (SCAN) (2)AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Appr=
Item to be presented
Adele Macpherson
CONSENT CALENDAR
DATE: July 8, 1997
SUBJECT: SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT (SCAN) TEAM
DEPARTMENT: Parks, Recreation and Community Services
About two years ago, the City of Lancaster embarked on the study of child abuse problems in
the Antelope Valley. The Mayor formed an independent task force to study the magnitude of
the problem. The Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) Team. was developed. This team
consists of Physicians and Nurse Practitioners in the Emergency Room. The equipment they
use is a Colposcope, which is a high-tech camera and audio system used to document child abuse
and maintain an evidence chain. It is electronically connected to the County U.S.C. Medical
Center where an administrator can conduct in real time, an evaluation and examination. The
presence of this program has proven to be an effective prevention tool in the area of child abuse,
in addition to creating an evidence trail necessary where prosecution is involved.
This is not just a Lancaster issue. It is believed that these child offenders or the children
themselves go to different hospitals in order for their identity to remain anonymous. The
Lancaster program which targets the North Los Angeles County is going well. Thanks to
support from the City of Lancaster for $30,000, the Team has received an additional $4,500
grant from Kaiser Permanente, and $15,000 from the County of Los Angeles. Supervisor
Antonovich. Dr. Hagar, of the Los Angeles County U.S.C. Medical Center, is scheduling training
for Physicians and Physician Assistants to enable them to identify child abuse cases. The
Children's Center in Lancaster, has established a computer-based program to track suspected
child injuries and address the issue of victims seeking medical assistance in surrounding areas.
Dennis Davenport, Assistant City Manager for the City of Lancaster, and Lancaster
Councihnember, Jim Jeffra, addressed the Youth Alliance Coordinating Committee of Santa
Clarita on Monday, May 12, 1997. Following an explanation of the program, Councilmember
Jeffra requested support from the Santa Clarita Valley to extend the net to our area. The Youth
Alliance was in support of joining the SCAN Team, providing $5,000 (Account No. 7430-7312)
to the program, attending the monthly SCAN meetings for the purpose of networking, extending
the net to apprehend child abusers, and increase the opportunities of training in the Santa
Clarita Valley.
pppJUdED Agenda Ifetn:-4—
RECOMMENDATION
To approve the recommendation of the Youth Alliance that the City of Santa Clarita participate
with the Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) Team. Participation to include attendance
at the monthly meetings, training for local Emergency Room staff, and extending the span of
resources in the Santa Clarita Valley to aid in the apprehension of child abusers, $5,000
(Account No. 7430-7312).
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