This year, the Pediatric Forensic Medicine at Golisano Children’s at UK marked its 10th anniversary serving the needs of Kentucky’s children who have experienced abuse and neglect.
Established in 2015 and supported by Kosair for Kids, the physicians, nurses, social workers, mental health experts and dedicated therapy dogs have provided trauma-focused and family-centered medical and psychosocial assessments for thousands of patients and families. Over the past 10 years, the program has expanded its reach to more than 74 counties, built a network of partnerships across the state and developed multi-hour training sessions for law enforcement.
“The reality is that there is a need for more clinical services for children who experience abuse and neglect; no one wants to see a pediatric forensic medicine program grow,” said Christina Howard, M.D., chief of the Division of Pediatric Forensic Medicine in the UK College of Medicine. “Our expansion ensures that children receive compassionate, trauma-informed care while strengthening the systems that protect them.”
In 2024, a generous gift from Kosair for Kids established the Kosair for Kids Center for Safe and Healthy Children and Families, a clinic space within the hospital that brings clinical care, mental health support, legal consultation and community collaboration under one roof. The clinic space includes:
- Secure and private space to provide trauma-informed care, including three exam rooms and two therapy services rooms
- Proximity to the Makenna David Pediatric Emergency Center and other services such as radiology and sedation with a private entrance and exit to those sites
- Space for therapeutic interventions, evidence storage and consultation with law enforcement and other partners
- Technology to consult virtually with the child’s care team which may include state child protective services, guardian ad litem and law enforcement.
Kentucky continues to rank among the highest in the nation for child abuse and neglect. In 2022 alone, 11,002 children experienced neglect, 1,146 suffered physical abuse and 756 were victims of sexual abuse. In 2025, the Center provided services to 1,153 patients, the majority of whom were under the age of 12. Most were referred by medical providers, child welfare agencies or law enforcement. Of those, 966 cases involved physical abuse or neglect concerns and 201 involved sexual abuse concerns. From 2024 to 2025, the Center saw a 66% increase in completed patient visits, 62% increase in number of patients served, 44% increase in completed forensic appointments and a 12% increase in mental health services.
“As the need has grown, so has our clinic,” said Dr. Howard. “We’ve seen significant increases in patient volume and forensic and mental health services. In response, we have expanded our reach to more communities and deepened collaboration with state and community partners to ensure children get the care and support they need, when they need it.”
“An adverse childhood experience such as child maltreatment has a lasting impact on a person’s life and ripples far beyond the individual,” said Scottie B. Day, M.D., physician-in-chief at UK Golisano Children’s. “It affects families, schools and communities through increased mental health needs and reduced educational and occupational potential, underscoring why early, coordinated intervention is so critical.”
Earlier this year, Howard and Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman introduced the state’s first-ever toolkit to combat the crime of strangulation. The manual, entitled “Responding to Strangulation in Kentucky: Guidelines for Prosecutors, Law Enforcement, Health Care Providers and Victim Advocates” identifies the signs of strangulation for medical professionals and law enforcement. It also shares strategies to effectively prosecute cases under Kentucky law and how advocates should engage with victims who suffered this specific crime. This toolkit one of the first of its kind across the country.
“Strangulation is a cruel and brutal crime. Because of the difficulties identifying the visible and non-visible signs of the abuse, it has been challenging to investigate and prosecute. This manual aims to end that,” said Attorney General Coleman. “With the collaboration of this outstanding team from diverse backgrounds, we have developed a comprehensive guide to help protect victims and prosecute offenders. This manual will help our partners across Kentucky keep this Commonwealth safe.”
In 2023, Buffalo Trace Distillery and UK HealthCare collaborated on a community-focused mentorship program for Frankfort, Kentucky-area fathers. Called Fathers of Frankfort, this program was inspired by evidence-based, father-specific programming as a way to strengthen families and address potential child maltreatment, a critical issue in their community. Fathers of Frankfort is connecting fathers who are currently team members at Buffalo Trace Distillery with new or expecting first-time dads in the local community. Mentors share their personal parenthood experiences, offer advice and be a resource to help men navigate this major life change.
As Howard and her team look ahead to the next 10 years, they envision a future where children all over Kentucky have access to the support and services they need after experiencing the unimaginable.
“Our program’s growth reflects both a sobering need and a steadfast commitment to Kentucky’s kids,” Howard said. “Children deserve a place where they are seen, believed and treated with respect and compassion. Our team will continue to respond with care, collaboration and commitment to the health, safety and well-being of every child we serve.”
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All Kentuckians are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect. If you believe a child is being abused or neglected, call the Child Protection Hotline at 1-877-KYSAFE1 or 1-877-597-2331 or report online.
Kentucky Children’s Hospital is now Golisano Children’s at UK. Read about this change and the historic $50 million gift that will transform health care for Kentucky’s kids: ukhealthcare.com/golisano.