Mission Magazine - Miracle Workers

Miracle Workers

May 2006

by Jaquelyn Spruce

Approximately 3 million cases of suspected child abuse and neglect are reported nationally each year –a number greater than all the cases of childhood cancer, epilepsy and diabetes combined. Unfortunately, Bexar County is no exception. In 2005, the County received more than 17,000 reports of alleged child abuse and neglect.

The Health Science Center and CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health Care have joined forces to protect the many innocent children who suffer from the devastating effects of abuse. Located at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital, the Center for Miracles is scheduled to open this spring. Nancy Kellogg, M.D., professor of pediatrics at the Health Science Center, is the center’s medical director.

"While many facilities evaluate children who are suspected victims of abuse, there is an urgent need for comprehensive assessments that address not only safety needs, but also medical, mental health and developmental needs," Dr. Kellogg said. "Our center serves as a single place to evaluate possible victims of physical abuse and neglect, and conduct accurate and complete assessments that are vital in child abuse investigations." The assessments will allow the center to refer children to various programs to help meet their needs.

The center intends to work closely with Child Protective Services (CPS), physicians and law enforcement officials.