Randall Schlievert, M.D., was first exposed to the topic of child maltreatment while serving as a resident physician in pediatrics. The first case in which he was fully involved convinced him this was a field where he could truly make a difference.

At Mercy Children’s Hospital (MCH), Dr. Schlievert has become all too familiar with the tragedy of child abuse cases. As the Medical Director of the Child Maltreatment Program at MCH, he is faced with these difficult situations every day.

Dr. Schlievert believes that the reported increase in child abuse cases is related to greater awareness. According to Dr. Schlievert, studies show that 10 to 20 percent of women have experienced inappropriate sexual contact or abuse at least one time in their lives. Of sexual abuse cases, 15 to 20 percent are boys, while 80 to 85 percent are girls.

The Child Maltreatment Program at MCH evaluates children from birth to 18 years of age through medical history and exams. The average visit takes one hour, which includes an interview and exam. Through interviews with the child, social worker and assistant director of the program, Julie Jones, attempts to gather information about the situation. Usually this process takes one visit.

The program sees children through referrals in the 17 counties of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Typically, Children’s Protective Services (CPS) is the referring agency.

The program evaluates alleged sexual abuse, physical abuse, shaken baby syndrome, Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, and neglect.

If you suspect that child abuse is happening to someone you know, call the Lucas County Children Services Bureau (CSB) at 419-213-3400. Referrals to the Child Maltreatment Program will then be made through CSB. The Child Maltreatment Program will testify in a legal court when needed.

As a member of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, Dr. Schlievert plans to dedicate his career to the community. He is one of the few physicians in Ohio who is fellowship-trained in the area of child abuse through Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Meyerson Center, leaders and founders in the child abuse field.