Child abuse is a common diagnosis in the United States and should be considered when neglect, emotional, physical or sexual abuse is a possibility. Any suspicion of abuse must be reported to the Department of Children’s Services (DCS). Treatment for child abuse and neglect helps lower a child’s risk of learning, emotional and social challenges later in life. Not only does treatment benefit the child but also any children they may have in the future and society overall.
The Better Futures Clinic provides trauma-informed, compassionate care that helps children heal, build resilience, and reach their fullest potential. We create a safe, nurturing space where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered.
In partnership with families, we guide and strengthen parents to become the confident, connected caregivers they aspire to be—building better futures together.
If you’re suspicious of child maltreatment in Indiana, please call the Indiana Department of Child Services, Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-800-5556. Every Hoosier has a responsibility to say something if they see or suspect child maltreatment.
Better Future Clinic is a resource for children and caregivers, offering a multidisciplinary approach to adequately evaluate and treat child abuse victims. Our priority is to create a safe environment for the child.
Our clinic collaborates with Iris Family Support Center, formerly known as Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN), to provide navigation services for families to best connect them with community resources and programs that meet the developmental, social and mental health needs of both the child and caregivers.
When a child visits the clinic, our priority is to ensure the safety of the child and to make sure that the child has not been harmed. Patients referred to the Better Future Clinic will receive a medical follow-up exam, further testing or screening and treatment, if needed. A physician, nurse and social worker will talk with you during the follow-up visit. Our medical provider may recommend a physical exam, not unlike what the child may have for a school physical. Medical conditions may not have been detected at the hospital. Caregivers are encouraged to be in the room with the child during the exam, if the child wants them present.
We are all responsible for speaking up when we suspect a child is being mistreated. If you suspect a child is experiencing or has experienced abuse, call the Indiana Department of Child Services Abuse and Neglect hotline, available 24/7 at 1-800-800-5556.
The Better Future Clinic is a medical follow-up clinic for child maltreatment. Studies show that prompt follow-up care and guidance play a crucial role in benefiting not only the impacted children, but our society in several important ways:
Thank you for making our clinic possible.
The Better Future Clinic was made possible through the generosity of the Parkview Health Foundation’s Shaffer Trauma & Emergency Services Fund along with the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne’s Dr. Bill Lewis Isaac Campbell Kidd Fund.
Special thanks also to our partners, the Mary Cross Tippman Foundation and the Professional Emergency Physicians for their commitment to changing the lives of children and their families.
If you’re suspicious of child maltreatment in Indiana, please call the Indiana Department of Child Services, Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-800-5556. Every Hoosier has a responsibility to say something if they see or suspect child maltreatment.
April 11, 2025
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