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Child Protection Center

Prior to the formation of the Child Protection Center, parents often didn't know where to get help for an abused child. Often, the child had to be taken to the police station and would have to tell about their abuse several times to different investigating agencies.

The Center represents a community-wide effort to provide:

  • Centralized access and referral to a system of community services for abused children and their families. 
  • Coordination of high quality, reliable, consistent interviews and medical exams by specially-trained  interviewers and physicians.
  • Efforts toward identification, treatment and prevention of child abuse.

Referrals

Referrals to the Center are made by the Department of Human Services (DHS), law enforcement agencies and private physicians. The Child Protection Center does not replicate any existing community service. The Center also accepts referrals where a developmentally disabled adult is the alleged victim.

Our team approach

The Center's team works in coordination with DHS and law enforcement. After an interview and medical exam, the Child Protection Center staff, a DHS assessment worker and a law enforcement officer reviews the information together. They make recommendations and referrals to community services and specify any investigative action.

If you suspect child abuse

If you suspect child abuse, call 800/362-2178 or 319/369-7908. A trained professional will answer your call. For information about the Child Protection Center email us or call 800-444-0224 ext. 7908 or 319/369-7908.

The hard truth

1 in 4 girls and 1 in 5 boys will be abused before they turn 18. Since the Child Protection Center opened its doors, we have treated children from 50 of Iowa's 99 counties and 5 states. The largest age group we see are children who are 3 and 4 years old.

Coming together to help kids

St. Luke's Health Care Foundation is continuing its fundraising efforts to help St. Luke's Child Protection Center. Learn more about how you can help or call 319/369-7716.

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About CPC

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For More Information

St. Luke's Child
Protection Center
Hiawatha Children's Campus
1095 N. Center Point Rd.
319/369-7908