Child Sexual Assault Expert Witnesses

Child sexual assault expert witnesses may consult regarding sexual misconduct, sexual molestation, and child sexual abuse. Child Abuse Pediatrics & Forensic Medicine Experts explains that the accredited sub-specialty Child Abuse Pediatrics practice scope includes the expert analysis of various areas related to sexual abuse using an established evidence-based process with research, clinical findings and input from collateral sources such as law enforcement and protective authorities. The American Board of Pediatrics Certifications and Admission Requirements are described below.

Certificate of Special Qualifications Candidates seeking a certificate of special qualifications must meet BOTH the General Eligibility Criteria for Certificate in the Pediatric Subspecialties and Eligibility Criteria for the Specific Subspecialty.

Certification by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP)

A candidate for subspecialty certification must have achieved initial certification in general pediatrics and continue to maintain general pediatrics certification in order to take a subspecialty examination. No exceptions to this policy will be granted. The requirements for Maintenance of Certification (MOC) can be found on the ABP website. All candidates are urged to ensure that the requirements for maintenance of certification will be met in sufficient time to allow acceptance to the subspecialty certifying examination. Under certain circumstances, individuals registered for the general pediatrics certifying examination may apply for a pediatric subspecialty certifying examination pending notification of the general pediatrics examination results. Before making application, contact the ABP for information.

Licensure
An applicant must hold a valid, unrestricted allopathic and/or osteopathic medical license in at least one jurisdiction in the United States, its territories, or Canada, or unrestricted privileges to practice medicine in the United States Armed Forces. If licenses are held in more than one jurisdiction, all licenses held by a physician should meet this requirement. Temporary or training licenses are not acceptable.

Individuals practicing exclusively abroad, ie., who are not practicing in the United States or Canada, and who do not hold a United States or Canadian license, must provide proof of licensure in the country in which they practice. Applicants for initial certification who intend to practice abroad exclusively must submit a letter stating this fact. In addition, they must submit proof of licensure in the country in which they intend to practice.

Verification of Training
An applicant will be asked to list the program(s) where fellowship training occurred as well as the name(s) of the program director(s). The ABP will provide a Verification of Competence Form to the program director(s) for completion. (Note: For new subspecialties, alternatives to the usual training requirements, such as practice experience, will be acceptable as criteria for admission to the examination. Candidates should refer to the specific subspecialty eligibility criteria for details.) The role of the program director in the certification process is to verify completion of training, evaluate clinical competence including professionalism, and provide evidence of the trainee’s scholarly activity/research.

Eligibility Criteria for the Specific Subspecialty for Child Abuse Pediatrics include:

Three years of full-time, broad-based fellowship training in child abuse pediatrics are required for fellows entering training on or after January 1, 2010.

A Verification of Competence Form must be completed by the program director(s) stating satisfactory completion of the required training as well as verification of clinical competence and scholarly activity.

The fellow must meet the criteria stated in the “Principles Regarding the Assessment of Scholarly Activity” as outlined in the General Eligibility Criteria; Verification of scholarly activity will not be required for individuals who began training before January 1, 2010.

The fellow must pass the subspecialty certifying examination.