VI SCAN - Vancouver Island Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect
Abuse / Neglect, Child Services, Family / Parenting, and Victim Services
Provided by Island Health
Provides non-urgent health evaluation and assessment for children or youth who may have been maltreated.
VI SCAN is a regional, community-based, multidisciplinary program administered by Island Health consisting of a social worker, nurse clinician, pediatrician and administrative assistant. The team promotes the health and well-being of children who may have been maltreated, and to support families to create a positive environment for growth and development
VI SCAN Services Include:
VI SCAN Services Include:
- Provide medical services to suspected victims of abuse
- Help determine the cause of a child’s illnesses or injuries
- Train professionals and educate the community about child abuse
- Conduct research to improve prevention, identification, and treatment of child abuse
What to Expect
- Prior the first visit, a VI SCAN nurse will contact the family with questions about the child’s medical history
- Please bring the child's BC Care Card to the first appointment, which will be 2-3 hours in length
- At the appointment, the team will listen to what happened to the child and/or why they were brought to the clinic; ask more questions about the child’s medical history; complete a physical exam; and ask for basic information about the family situation.
- If applicable, the VI SCAN team may order lab tests and/or x-rays, take photographs of injuries, and consult with other physicians, child protection workers, police, psychologists and other health professionals to assist in identifying child maltreatment as well as recommend treatment and offer referrals.
Referrals are accepted from MCFD, First Nation agencies, health care providers and police departments, pertaining to a child or youth under the age of 19 who may be/is being abused or neglected, across the Island Health Authority area.
NOTE:: The VI SCAN team does not provide emergency services. If a child's injury/illness is a result of someone hurting them, VI SCAN is unable to further investigate. They are required by law to report reasonable suspicion of child abuse/neglect to the Ministry of Children and Family Development, in which case the family will be advised of such a report.
NOTE:: The VI SCAN team does not provide emergency services. If a child's injury/illness is a result of someone hurting them, VI SCAN is unable to further investigate. They are required by law to report reasonable suspicion of child abuse/neglect to the Ministry of Children and Family Development, in which case the family will be advised of such a report.
250-739-5747
#39, 1925 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9S 1H1
Hours of Operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Cost: No cost
Referral options:
- First Nation agency referral
- Health professional referral
- Ministry of Children & Family Development referral
- Physician or nurse practitioner referral
- Police referrals
Associated Programs/Services
Also offered by Island Health:
Just the closest matches listed. Click to see more!- Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC) - Nanaimo (Medical Arts)
- Saanich Peninsula Hospice Palliative Care Services
- Long Term Care Facilities - Island Health Authority
Availability
Service area: Island Health Area + show cities
Service Types Provided
Abuse / Neglect
Child Services
Family / Parenting
Victim Services
Ways to Access
- Provided 1:1 in-person
- Provided at a single location
The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.