Response to Misdiagnosis of Child Abuse
Author Information
Author(s): Nina H. Onkenhout, Heike C. Terlingen, Michelle Nagtegaal, Elise M. van de Putte, Stephen C. Boos
Primary Institution: Dutch Expertise Center for Child Abuse
Conclusion
The DECCA did not misdiagnose child abuse, and the allegations made in the previous papers are incorrect.
Supporting Evidence
- DECCA provides anonymous advice to medical professionals without needing permission from caregivers.
- From 2019 to 2023, DECCA received over 1400 inquiries about medical findings in children.
- In 48% of cases, DECCA found evidence supporting non-accidental causes.
- DECCA's approach aims to balance the risks of under-reporting and over-reporting child abuse.
Takeaway
This paper explains that the DECCA provides expert advice on child abuse cases and did not make a diagnosis of abuse in a specific case, contrary to claims made in other papers.
Methodology
The DECCA uses a combination of pediatric and forensic expertise to assess medical findings related to suspected child abuse.
Potential Biases
There is a risk of social and contextual bias due to the reliance on advisees for information.
Limitations
The DECCA relies on incomplete information provided by advisees and does not perform direct examinations of children.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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