Creating Safe Spaces for Healing: Child Protection at GBMC

Every day at GBMC, children arrive needing expert medical care for broken bones, breathing emergencies, and serious illnesses. But some of the most heartbreaking cases involve children who have experienced abuse, neglect, sexual assault, or human trafficking. These children arrive frightened, traumatized, and unsure of whom they can trust. At GBMC, they are met by a specialized team dedicated not only to treating injuries, but also to helping children begin to heal. 

As Baltimore County’s only dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department and the county’s only provider of specialized medical-forensic care for survivors of child abuse and sexual assault, GBMC serves as a critical safety net for vulnerable children and families. Through its Child Protection Program and SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) & Domestic Violence Program, GBMC provides trauma-informed, compassionate care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Providing Specialized Care When It Matters Most 

The need for these services continues to grow. In Baltimore County, an average of 150 new reports of suspected child maltreatment are filed every month, yet only a small percentage of those children receive formal medical evaluations. These evaluations are essential because specially trained clinicians can identify signs of abuse, provide treatment, and help connect children and families with resources for safety and recovery. 

GBMC’s Child Protection Program is led by Sarah Perl, MSN, CRNP A/P, Medical Director of the Child Protection Program, alongside Laura Clary, MSN, RN, FNE-A/P, SANE-A, SANE-P, Director of the SAFE, Domestic Violence & Child Protection Program. Together, they work closely with pediatric emergency clinicians, social workers, law enforcement, and child advocacy professionals to ensure children receive coordinated, compassionate care. 

One important member of this healing team walks on four legs. Olivia, a two-year-old yellow Labrador retriever from the nonprofit Hero Dogs, spends time in both GBMC’s Pediatric Emergency Department and the Baltimore County Child Advocacy Center. Trained to recognize anxiety and emotional distress, Olivia offers quiet comfort to children during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Whether resting her head on a hospital bed or quietly sitting beside a child during an interview, Olivia’s calm presence helps children feel safer and more at ease. 

Donors help support Olivia’s training and sustain critical emotional support for children navigating traumatic experiences. Fundraising initiatives include Paws for Protection, a month-long October campaign inviting the community to donate and walk alongside their furry friends. 

Caring for Every Need 

The impact of GBMC’s Child Protection Program extends far beyond emergency medical care. In one recent case, a young adolescent boy was brought to GBMC after being abandoned during a snowstorm more than ten miles from home. He had suffered severe neglect and required immediate medical attention. When no foster placement was available, he remained in the Emergency Department for weeks while awaiting a safe home. During that time, GBMC staff provided far more than medical care—supplying clothing, school materials, emotional support, and helping him continue his education virtually. 

In another case, a 12-year-old girl who had experienced a brutal assault arrived by EMS. GBMC’s pediatric team, forensic nurses, and Child Protection specialists worked together seamlessly to provide trauma-informed care, conduct a forensic examination, coordinate with social services, and ensure the child’s immediate safety. As demand for pediatric emergency services continues to grow, GBMC is working to expand and modernize its Pediatric Emergency & Inpatient Department to better support children and families across Baltimore County. Plans for the future include dedicated areas designed to provide greater privacy, comfort, and emotional support for children experiencing abuse, neglect, or trauma. 

At the Heart of Pediatric Medicine: Dedicated Professionals 

At the heart of this work is a simple belief: every child deserves to feel safe, protected, and cared for during life’s most difficult moments. 

Whether it is a physician providing expert medical care, a forensic nurse offering reassurance, a Child Life specialist easing fear through play, or Olivia quietly comforting a frightened child, GBMC’s Child Protection Program surrounds children with compassion when they need it most. Olivia, the Child Protection Program’s facility dog, with two GBMC Pediatric Emergency Department Nurses and Medical Director of the GBMC Child Protection Program Sarah Perl outside the Pediatric Emergency Department, where she helps bring comfort, connection, and a sense of calm to children navigating traumatic experiences.