Protecting Children Means Getting It Right: Why We’re Calling for Oversight of Child Abuse Pediatricians

Child Abuse Pediatricians (CAPs) were created to help protect children from harm.
That mission matters. We all share the same goal: keeping kids safe.

But when CAPs use flawed methods, unsupported claims, or fail to provide full, honest evaluations, the result is devastating — for children, families, and the integrity of child protection.

This is not about shielding abusers.
It’s about ensuring that every diagnosis, every report, and every courtroom statement made in a child’s name is accurate, ethical, and truly in that child’s best interest.

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The Problem: When CAP Practices Harm Children

When abuse is misdiagnosed:

• Children are wrongfully separated from loving families — enduring trauma, foster care placements, and unnecessary medical tests.

• True cases of abuse may be overlooked as resources are wasted on false accusations.

• State agencies are pulled into lengthy battles against innocent families, draining resources that could protect children facing real, non‑medical abuse or neglect.

• Trust in the medical and child protection system erodes, making it harder for families to seek help when they need it.

We believe these harms can be prevented — but only if we address the patterns of concern in CAP practices.

These are reasons that we have identified concerns about these Child Abuse Pediatricians or Child Abuse Experts. 

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Concerning Practices That Undermine Child Safety

1. Oversimplified & Misleading Medical Claims

CAPs sometimes use falsified maxims like “Those Who Don’t Cruise Don’t Bruise” to claim certain injuries must mean abuse.
But medical research — even from the AAP — warns against these blanket assumptions.

Why this matters: When doctors oversimplify, children may be removed from safe homes based on unproven ideas.
Sources: The Guardian · The New Yorker · Medscape · Pediatrics Online

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2. Using Pressure & Manipulation

Parents are sometimes told their explanations are “implausible” — not as a medical assessment, but to provoke new answers. Later, those new answers are labeled as “shifting stories.”

Why this matters: This creates a trap that makes innocent parents appear guilty and children lose their primary caregivers.
Sources: The Atlantic · Cauthorn, Owen & Sanders

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3. Misusing or Misrepresenting Research

Some CAP reports selectively cite studies or distort their findings to support an abuse diagnosis.

Why this matters: Science should protect children — not be misused to justify preconceived conclusions.
Sources: Wikipedia · Cauthorn, Owen & Sanders

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4. Withholding Information from Families

Families often aren’t given full access to medical records or second opinions.

Why this matters: If parents can’t challenge a diagnosis, the child may remain in state custody longer than necessary.

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5. Conflicts of Interest

Some CAPs act as both treating physicians and forensic experts for child welfare — without disclosing this dual role.

Why this matters: This creates bias, which can lead to harmful decisions for children.
Sources: Pediatrics Online · Cauthorn, Owen & Sanders

 

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Why This Matters for Children

Every unnecessary removal, every false accusation, and every missed alternative diagnosis isn’t just a paperwork issue — it’s trauma.

• Children separated from safe families face emotional harm, attachment disruption, and lifelong stress.

• Parents falsely accused of abuse can be driven into financial ruin and unable to advocate for their children.

• When the system gets it wrong, public trust is lost — making it harder to protect children in true cases of abuse.