A child forensic medical exam is a special kind of medical check-up for children who may have been abused or harmed. It’s done by doctors or nurses who are specially trained to work with children and understand the medical and emotional needs of kids in these situations. The purpose of the exam is to make sure the child is healthy and safe, to treat any injuries or infections, and to look for signs that might help explain what happened. It’s also a chance for the child and their caregivers to ask questions and get support. Everything is done with care, respect, and privacy, and the child’s well-being is always the top priority.

These exams are done in a calm, child-friendly environment. The medical team explains everything in a way the child can understand and lets them know they’re in control; nothing happens without their permission. Depending on the situation, the exam might include a head-to-toe check-up, collecting samples (if needed), or taking photos to document injuries. Importantly, most exams show that a child’s body is normal, even if abuse did happen. That’s because many types of abuse don’t leave visible marks. Whether or not anything is found, the exam can give peace of mind and be an important step in healing and protecting the child.