Better Future Clinic

Better Future Clinic is a resource for children and caregivers, offering a multidisciplinary approach to adequately evaluate and treat child abuse victims. Our priority is to create a safe environment for the child.

Our clinic collaborates with Iris Family Support Center, formerly known as Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN), to provide navigation services for families to best connect them with community resources and programs that meet the developmental, social and mental health needs of both the child and caregivers.

When a child visits the clinic, our priority is to ensure the safety of the child and to make sure that the child has not been harmed. Patients referred to the Better Future Clinic will receive a medical follow-up exam, further testing or screening and treatment, if needed. A physician, nurse and social worker will talk with you during the follow-up visit. Our medical provider may recommend a physical exam, not unlike what the child may have for a school physical. Medical conditions may not have been detected at the hospital. Caregivers are encouraged to be in the room with the child during the exam, if the child wants them present.

We are all responsible for speaking up when we suspect a child is being mistreated. If you suspect a child is experiencing or has experienced abuse, call the Indiana Department of Child Services Abuse and Neglect hotline, available 24/7 at 1-800-800-5556.

• Physical health monitoring: After initial intervention, children who have suffered abuse may have lingering physical injuries or health concerns that need further monitoring. Follow-up clinics ensure that their physical health is assessed, and they receive appropriate treatment.
• Mental health support: Abuse often leads to emotional and psychological trauma. Follow-up appointments allow mental health professionals to evaluate the child’s emotional well-being and provide timely interventions like counseling or therapy. This can reduce long-term effects like post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety.
• Developmental support: Early intervention in terms of addressing trauma can support the child’s overall development, ensuring they grow up in a more stable and healthy manner, both emotionally and physically.

• Early detection of recurring abuse: Follow-up visits may help detect any signs of recurring abuse, ensuring that protective measures can be taken promptly.
• Monitoring family dynamics: In some cases, a child may return to an environment that still poses risks. These clinics can work with child protection services to monitor the situation and intervene if the child is in danger.

• Lower healthcare costs: Early detection and treatment of abuse-related injuries and trauma can reduce the need for more extensive medical treatments later in life.
• Lower mental health burden: By addressing emotional and psychological trauma early on, the follow-up clinic helps reduce the burden on mental health services and decreases the likelihood of the child developing chronic mental health issues in adulthood.
• Breaking the cycle of abuse: Children who experience abuse are at a higher risk of continuing the cycle in adulthood. Comprehensive medical and psychological follow-up helps prevent this by providing children with the tools and support they need to heal.

• Raising awareness and training: The Better Future clinic contributes to awareness programs and training for healthcare providers, educators and the community. This raises awareness about signs of abuse and ensures that more children are identified and helped in a timely manner.
• Research and data collection: This clinic may contribute to research on child abuse, helping to refine prevention strategies and treatment methods. This evidence-based approach can lead to more effective policies and practices, enhancing child welfare systems.

• Supporting legal proceedings: Consistent follow-ups allow healthcare providers to maintain detailed records, which can be vital in legal proceedings related to abuse. These records may help in prosecuting offenders or ensuring that protective measures for the child are implemented effectively.
• Collaborating with child protection services: By working closely with law enforcement, child protective services and legal systems, the Better Future Clinic helps to ensure that children are placed in safe environments and that the legal process upholds their best interests.