Armed Forces Center for Child Protection 

In 2020, there were 10,857 reports of child maltreatment in the US Armed Forces.
- DoD Report on Child Abuse and Neglect and Domestic Abuse in the Military for FY2020  

We’re committed to protecting children throughout the DoD from maltreatment. We provide objective, professional, and evidence-based expertise and assistance to both DoD and select non-DoD agencies to facilitate the safety of children in our military community.

Our staff consists of a forensic interviewer, support staff, and board-certified and board-eligible child abuse pediatricians at: 

• Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland 
• Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas 
• Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California 

Our Services

• Accept consults from all DoD organizations requesting subject matter input about alleged child maltreatment and forensic interviews of children 
• Specialized medical examinations of children to assess for possible abuse and neglect 
• Virtual medical consultations for military dependent children requiring a child abuse evaluation at other military treatment facilities
• Subject matter expert consultation with military law enforcement investigators, Family Advocacy Program representatives, and military JAGs
• Video-recorded forensic interviews (local and abroad)
• Subject matter expert opinion reports
• Assistance with reporting possible child maltreatment to appropriate agencies
• Subject matter expert testimony in military courts-martial
• Child maltreatment recognition training for various military organizations
• Medical education for DoD residency training programs
• Internship opportunities for CID Special Agents accepted into the Masters Degree Program in Forensic Science from George Mason University

Types of Abuse 

Physical Abuse                        

• Fractures/breaks
• Burns
• Abusive head trauma
• Excessive discipline

Neglect

• Inappropriate supervision
• Lack of food or shelter

Sexual Abuse

• Grooming                     
• Child pornography
• Problematic sexual behavior

Child Fatality Investigations

• Unexplained death of a child

Medical Neglect                         

• Fabricating medical illnesses
• Exaggerating medical illnesses
• Creating medical illnesses

Emotional Abuse

• Humiliation
• Degradation

Ways to Prevent Child Abuse 

• Talk to children about safety 
• Make sure children have a safe person to talk to 
• Ask your child’s doctor about nonviolent forms of discipline 

What Else Can You Do?

If you suspect child maltreatment, contact your Family Advocacy Representative (FAR). In an emergency, call your local police department. In the National Capital Region, referrals are accepted from the child’s primary care manager. Health care professionals must report suspected maltreatment. 

Did You Know?

ALL members of the DoD are mandated reporters (Active Duty, Family Members, Civilians, Contractors).