Our Initiatives

Child Impact Projects works to intervene in child trauma and medical child abuse cases and help survivors and families heal. Based in Oklahoma and Texas, we use a collaborative, multifaceted approach and provide consultation and training across the U.S.

Awareness

Childhood trauma has lifelong implications and can occur through abuse, exposure to domestic violence, neglectful parenting, and court processes. Though lesser known and understood, Medical Child Abuse, or Munchausen by Proxy, is among the most lethal forms of child abuse. As high-profile shows such as The Act and Sharp Objects have increased awareness of this crime, misconceptions and misinformation about it have flourished. Many still regard Medical Child Abuse as primarily involving the mental health of the perpetrator rather than the welfare of the victim. Child Impact Projects seeks to educate the public by sharing fact-based research and information from some of the most established and notable professionals in the field of child trauma.

Education & Training

Frontline professionals including pediatricians, social workers, detectives, healthcare workers and judges receive limited child trauma training and no specific training to help victims of Medical Child Abuse. Child Impact Projects organizes trainings in cities across the country to educate and empower healthcare professionals, law enforcement, child protective services and other frontline workers to intervene and protect children from grievous harm and psychological trauma.

Resources and Support

Child Impact Projects provides knowledge, support and resources for victims and survivors of Medical Child Abuse as well as family members and spouses of perpetrators. We make life-saving referrals to help caregivers, family members and service providers combat the complex web of issues surrounding child trauma and Medical Child Abuse, custody, and prosecution.

Child Impact Projects focuses on innovations in healing for children. We pair victims and survivors with experienced professionals to facilitate healing through the child’s preferred therapeutic narrative, such as writing, movement, artistic expression, play, outdoor adventures, or music.

Research

Although a vast body of existing research explores child trauma, Munchausen by Proxy, or Medical Child Abuse, is one of the least understood forms of abuse. Child Impact Projects works with some of the nation’s top professionals conducting research on Medical Child Abuse. We use this research to inform advocacy and training that promote awareness, early detection and aggressive intervention. It is not uncommon for child trauma cases to become more problematic for victims through the court process. Child Impact Projects advocates for research in this area to prevent compounding traumas.

Policy and Legislation

Children need laws that better protect their rights. Currently, no criminal state or federal laws in the U.S. address Medical Child Abuse. With an early focus in Oklahoma and Texas, Child Impact projects is working to change this. In 2019, Child Impact Projects and others assisted Detective Michael Weber in introducing HB 3926, “Alyssa’s Bill.” We are also working at the national level on the child torture statutes.