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SCAN is a program that originated in January 1993
with funding from Manatee County Children Services tax monies.
SCAN serves Manatee County children, birth to 17 years of age,
who have been sexually abused by a non-caregiver or another
child.
Why
was SCAN established?
Children who are sexually abused by a non-caregiver or another
child do not fall under the mandate for protective
investigation. The state is not mandated to offer services to
these child victims because of the status of the offender.
Who
can make a referral?
- Law
Enforcement
- Therapists
- Medical
Professionals
- Parents
- Friends
& Relatives
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- Victim
Advocates
- DCF
- School
Personnel
- Hospitals
- Victims
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The SCAN Coordinator will provide specialized assessment
activities and support to the victim. When a referral is made
prior to Law Enforcement involvement, the SCAN Coordinator
will generate a report to them. The Law Enforcement
Investigator will be responsible for determining if a law
violation has occurred. Law Enforcement is allowed access to
the medical and / or interview results. What
does SCAN offer?
- Medical
Diagnosis and Evaluation
- Videotaped
Interviews
- Crisis
Intervention
- Support
Services
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- Referrals
- Court
Testimony
- Court
School
- 24
Hour Availability
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What
is the cost for SCAN services?
SCAN services are available at no cost to the victim or the
victim's family. SCAN provides services to child victims and
their families without regard to income, sex, race, color,
religion, national origin or handicap.
What
is the purpose of the Medical Exam?
The SCAN medical examination is done by a pediatrician who is
specially trained in assessing abuse. The medical examination
can assist Law Enforcement in determining whether a sex crime
has been committed. The SCAN medical examination:
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Reassures
worried children and parents that the child is
"okay".
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Answers
questions or concerns about diseases or other long term
effects of the assault.
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Gathers
forensic evidence for prosecution.
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Determines
if additional medical care is required.
What
is a videotaped interview?
An investigation often begins with an interview of the child
victim by a specially trained interviewer. The interview is
videotaped and provides official statements for those
professionals who are involved with the investigation. The
SCAN interview:
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Limits
the number of times the child must tell his or her story.
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Ensures
that a specially trained interviewer is sensitive to the
child's needs.
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Provides
a permanent videotaped record of the interview.
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Allows
a child to be interviewed in a "child friendly"
setting.
How
To Make A SCAN Referral:
A referral can be made by calling Manatee Children's Services
during business hours, 8 am to 5 pm weekdays. For emergencies
after hours, the SCAN Coordinator may be reached by leaving a
message with the answering service.
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