Kentucky and Indiana have some of the highest child abuse rates in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Children’s Bureau. Norton Children’s Pediatric Protection Specialists provides child protective services to assess and treat possible child abuse and neglect.

Our board-certified child abuse pediatricians provide formal consultations and medical expertise on the diagnosis, documentation and follow up of suspected cases of maltreatment in children. Our program is the only child protection program to serve all 120 counties in Kentucky.

The providers with Norton Children’s Pediatric Protection Specialists serve as liaisons between hospitals and community partners, including law enforcement, Child Protective Services and the Department of Justice. Our team also provides medical examinations for local child advocacy centers in Louisville and Southern Indiana, assessing and treating suspected victims of child sexual abuse.

Our pediatric protection specialists are available for telephone consultations and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We can assist health care providers and community investigators to ensure appropriate, timely workup and documentation in cases of suspected child maltreatment.

Excellence in Pediatric Protection Services

Norton Children’s Pediatric Protection Specialists has and continues to be on the forefront of preventing and treating child abuse in Kentucky. Our program was the first pediatrics-based medical consultation service in Kentucky to evaluate suspected victims of physical abuse and neglect.

Melissa L. Currie, M.D., medical director, was the first board-certified child abuse pediatrician in Kentucky.

As a result of Kentucky House Bill 285, our team created the core content for statewide training modules on pediatric abusive head trauma prevention. Our faculty and many of our staff members also sit on state and local committees that impact child safety.

Collaboration With UofL School of Medicine

Our team provides highly skilled care. Norton Children’s Hospital serves as the primary pediatric teaching facility for the University of Louisville School of Medicine. These doctors are professors and active researchers helping to advance medical care through clinical research and education.

The Norton Children’s Difference

The care your child needs is close to home at Norton Children’s. With a 125-year presence in Louisville, Norton Children’s is a leader in pediatric care across Kentucky and Southern Indiana, providing an expanded footprint that includes:

• Norton Children’s Hospital – Kentucky and Southern Indiana’s only full-service, free-standing pediatric hospital and Louisville’s only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. Norton Children’s Hospital also has one of the largest Level IV (highest level) neonatal intensive care units in the country.
• Numerous regional outpatient centers and extensive pediatrician and pediatric specialist offices throughout the area.
• Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital – The only women’s hospital in Louisville, providing care dedicated to the needs of women and children.
• Norton Children’s Medical Center – A unique regional outpatient facility designed “Just for Kids,” bringing pediatric care to northeastern Jefferson County and the surrounding area.

Norton Children’s offers specialized programs and services, including:

• Norton Children’s Cancer Institute and the Addison Jo Blair Cancer Care Center, which is one of the oldest oncology programs continuously accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer.
• Norton Children’s Heart Institute, a pioneer in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery. Norton Children’s heart transplant surgeons performed Kentucky’s first heart transplant in a newborn in 1986, making the hospital the second site in the United States for infant transplants. Norton Children’s Hospital is home to the Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.
• Pediatric neurology and neurosurgery, including a Level 4 epilepsy center
• Pediatric orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation
• Wendy Novak Diabetes Insititute

Care for Children and Teens Who May Have Experienced Sexual Assault or Abuse

Norton Children’s provides compassionate, confidential care for children and adolescents who may have experienced sexual assault, sexual abuse or human trafficking. Our Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFE) Nurse Program offers support designed specifically for young patients and their families.

What Is a SAFE Nurse?

SAFE stands for sexual assault forensic examiner. SAFE nurses are specially trained and licensed to care for pediatric and adolescent patients who may need a forensic medical exam or support after concerns of abuse or assault. Care is trauma‑informed and focused on emotional well-being, safety and trust.

Where Care Is Available

SAFE nurses provide care at Norton Children’s Hospital, Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital and Norton Children’s Medical Center.

What to Expect

A SAFE nurse will:

• Care for your child in a private, child‑centered environment.
• Explain each step with sensitivity and clarity.
• Provide forensic evidence collection when appropriate.
• Offer guidance, resources and follow-up support.

Parents and caregivers are involved throughout, and every effort is made to support the child’s comfort and sense of security.