CHILD LIFE

A Child Life Specialist is a professional trained in child development, who helps prepare the child for the forensic interview and the medical exam. The Child Life Specialist also provides support during the medical exam. The Child Life Specialist will help educate and support children who are seen at the Yale Child Sexual Abuse Clinic.  The Child Life Specialist will explain the purpose of the Clinic visit to the child, educate the child about the interview and medical exam, and, when appropriate, help the child during the exam of the genitals and anus by talking to the child and distracting the child with toys and books.  If the child requires blood to be drawn, the Child Life Specialist will accompany him/her to the blood drawing lab and help the child through this procedure.