FAQ
Why do children come to Our Kids?
Our Kids, a clinic affiliated with Nashville General Hospital, provides medical evaluations for children when there are concerns about sexual abuse. Children may be referred for examination by the Department of Children's Services, police departments, doctors, hospitals or other concerned adults.
On occasion, a child may be examined at Our Kids for reasons not related to abuse. A pediatrician or other health care provider may request a second medical opinion from the Our Kids staff regarding gynecological concerns.
Where do I take my child for the evaluation?
Our Kids provides services at three locations.
If you have an appointment with Our Kids, go to the main location.
Main Location
Our Kids 1804 Hayes Street Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 341-4911
Hours: Monday - Friday; 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Hospital Location
Nashville General Hospital1818 Albion Street
Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 341-4000
Hours: Monday - Friday; 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Free parking is available in the parking garage across from the hospital's main entrance.
The evaluation process at Nashville General Hospital is similar to that of Our Kids' main location, but the examination may be longer and treatment may vary.
Putnam County
Upper Cumberland Child Advocacy Center30 East First Street
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 525-1080
Days of Operation: 2nd Tuesday of every month; 4th Thursday of every month
In the case of an emergency, call General Hospital at (615) 341-4100. Ask for the Our Kids clinical staff on call to be paged. Our Kids staff will assess the situation to determine if the child needs to be seen immediately or if the exam can wait until the next day. Our Kids clinical staff are available to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Why is the medical exam important?
The medical evaluation determines if your child has an injury, infection or other physical problem. Most children have no problems and can be reassured that their bodies are healthy. However, if there are signs of injury or infection, these can be documented and treated.
What happens when I come to Our Kids?
First, you will register at the front desk and complete a questionnaire concerning your child's behavior and medical history. Then you will meet with a medical or mental health professional who will ask you questions about your child, particularly regarding statements and behaviors that have raised concerns of sexual abuse. A nurse practitioner or doctor will talk with you further to learn about any medical problems or illnesses your child has had.
A member of our professional staff will talk privately with your child to answer questions about the checkup and to prepare the child for the examination. School-aged children may also be asked about concerns they have regarding their bodies and about types of sexual contact they have had. This information helps our medical team know what tests may be needed during the examination.
Following the exam, the results will be shared with you if you are the child's legal guardian. Any questions or concerns you have will be discussed at this time.
Who will examine my child?
All examinations are conducted by a nurse practitioner or doctor with extensive training in the medical evaluation of sexual abuse.
What happens during the medical exam?
Your child will receive a thorough checkup that may include looking at his or her eyes, ears and mouth; listening to the heart and lungs; feeling the abdomen; and checking reflexes.
The child's genital and anal areas will be examined to make sure they appear normal. Teenage girls sometimes require a pelvic examination involving insertion of an instrument called a speculum into the vagina. Younger girls do not receive speculum exams at Our Kids' main location. Your child may need to provide a urine sample to check for pregnancy.
Your child may be tested for sexually transmitted diseases. This is done by touching your child's throat, genitals and/or anus with small cotton swabs. A blood and urine test may also be needed. No blood is drawn during the exam, but we will assist you in getting any necessary blood tests through Nashville General Hospital, your local physician or health department.
A special instrument called a colposcope is often used during examination. A colposcope is a light attached to a pair of binoculars, allowing the nurse practitioner or doctor to see a child's genital and anal areas more closely. The instrument never touches the child's body and is never felt by the child. The colposcope has a camera attached to it and photographs may be taken during the exam to provide an accurate record of what the child's body looks like.
Does the exam hurt?
For most children, the checkup is not painful. No shots are given and no blood is drawn. Nevertheless, children may feel worried or embarrassed about their checkup, and some children report mild discomfort when the nurse practitioner or doctor touches their private parts.
Will the exam cause additional trauma to my child?
It is normal for children to feel anxious about their examination. Consequently, our staff takes as much time as necessary to help children through the medical evaluation by explaining each step of the checkup and finding ways to put the child at ease. These efforts reduce children's distress during the evaluation.
May I stay with my child during the examination?
Many children want a parent or supportive adult with them for comfort and reassurance. Other children prefer to do the exam on their own. We will ask your child whom, if anyone, he or she would like to have in the exam room and, whenever possible, respect your child's preference in this regard.
Will the exam show whether or not my child has been sexually abused?
Not necessarily. Most children have no physical injuries to their genital or anal areas. This does not mean that no sexual abuse has occurred. It is possible that children have been involved in sexual activity and that it has not injured their bodies in a way that leaves lasting signs.
Who will be given information about the examination?
In cases where there is an ongoing investigation into a report of possible sexual abuse, a written report of the child's medical evaluation can be provided to investigators only. After an investigation, the child's legal guardian may obtain a copy of the report from the records department at Nashville General Hospital.
What should I tell my child about coming to Our Kids?
Many parents worry that telling children about the checkup before coming to Our Kids will cause them to become upset and worried. In fact, children are often less worried and more cooperative with medical procedures when they know what they will be experiencing.
A few days before your appointment, explain to your child that he/she will be coming to our center for a checkup. Children should be told that they will talk with a person who will ask questions about their health, and that a nurse or doctor will look at their body, including their private parts, to make sure they are healthy.
Reassure your child that there will be no painful procedures such as shots, and that the staff at Our Kids will help them every step of the way. Children should be encouraged to bring along a stuffed animal, blanket, or other comforting object if it will help them feel more at ease.
Similarly, if you are bringing your child to Nashville General Hospital, explain that a nurse or doctor will look at their body to make sure it is healthy. However, at General Hospital it is possible that blood will be drawn or that a shot will be given.
What should I bring to the appointment?
If your child has received a genital or rectal examination in the past, medical reports or information about previous exams would be useful to our staff. You should also bring information regarding your medical insurance as well as your child's social security number.
Many parents find it helpful to bring an adult friend or relative. These individuals can provide support as well as keep children company while parents talk privately with our professional staff.
How long will my appointments last?
The medical evaluation, which includes your child's checkup as well as talking with you before and after the exam, usually lasts two to three hours.
Whom should I call if I have questions about my appointment?
You may call Our Kids at (615) 341-4911, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and a medical or mental health professional will be happy to talk with you. Please let us know about any special needs your child has before your appointment.
Where can I get my child treated?
Get directions to Our Kids Center or Nashville General Hospital