The REACH Program
Part of Strong Memorial Hospital
REACH is a Referral and Evaluation service for Abused Children. We are located within the Bivona Child Advocacy Center. Our highly experienced team of social workers and pediatric health care providers are specially trained to care for children who may have been physically or sexually abused. Our program provides psychosocial assessments and medical examinations. We make every effort to serve the needs of children and their families in a relaxed and friendly setting. We are committed to reducing trauma, fostering healing and promoting advocacy on behalf of children in need.
How are Referrals Made to the REACH Program?
To have a child seen at the REACH program, the Primary Care Provider should contact our program by calling (585) 935-7802, Monday - Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Referrals can also be made by other professionals in the community such as law enforcement, Child Protective Services and Mental Health Providers. Our intake form will also need to be completed and faxed to us at (585) 530-2357 or emailed to us at alana_salisbury@urmc.rochester.edu.
How Many Visits to REACH are Necessary?
Usually only one visit is necessary. A second visit is rarely required.
Does REACH Provide Ongoing Counseling Services?
REACH does not provide ongoing counseling services. However, we can provide assistance to further help link the child and family to other necessary services and resources in the community.
What Happens During a Typical Visit to REACH?
The REACH program provides medical exams only.
A medical exam is important to ensure the health and well-being of the child. It will also reassure the child that everything is okay with their body.
Medical services are provided in our child-friendly examination room. Usually a parent or guardian remains in the room with the child. The medical exam is not painful or invasive. The examination begins with the provider getting a health history from the parent or guardian. A general physical exam is done similar to a well-child visit with their primary care physician. Next is the examination of the child's genital and anal area. A special 'microscope' called a colposcope is used during this part of the exam. The colposcope has a light and magnifies the area to allow the provider to see the child's private parts more closely. The colposcope never touches the child's body and is never felt by the child. If needed photographs may be taken. Cultures may be taken during the exam; this is done with a small cotton swab and is not invasive or painful for the child. After the examination, the medical provider will meet with the family to explain the results of the medical examination and answer questions the family may have. Any questions or concerns the family has may be discussed without the child present.
Does Health Insurance Cover the Cost of a REACH Evaluation?
Most health insurance covers the cost of the appointment. If you do not have health insurance the Crime Victims Board may help cover the cost of the appointment.
Where is REACH Located?
REACH is located at the Bivona Child Advocacy Center, The Skalny Building, One Mount Hope Avenue, Rochester, New York. Further information on the Bivona Child Advocacy Center can be obtained by visiting their website at www.bivonacac.org.
Our Team
- Ann Lenane, M.D., Medical Director
- Elizabeth Murray, D.O., M.B.A., F.A.A.P.
- Kimberly Levitsky, L.C.S.W.
- Alana Salisbury, Administrator I/Intake Coordinator