Every child, every time: hospital-wide child abuse screening increases awareness and state reporting.

Purpose: A review of our child abuse evaluation system demonstrated a lack of standardization leading to low reporting levels. The purpose of this quality improvement initiative was to develop a standard child abuse screening tool; an education program increasing awareness to child abuse; and to measure the impact of the screening tool in reporting.

Methods: A screening tool was developed and implemented for all trauma patients < 15 years of age; staff was educated; and a child protection team (CPT) was established.