UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Child Protection Center

1095 North Center Point Road
Hiawatha, IA 52233
319-369-7908 (Main Phone)
319-369-8726 (Fax)

Current Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Information

Number of patients waiting reflects the current number of patients waiting to be seen. This number changes frequently and is not exact.

  • 800-362-2178

  • Report Child and Dependent Adult Abuse

    If you suspect that a child or dependent adult has been abused or neglected, please call the Child and Dependent Adult Abuse Hotline at 800-362-2178. If a child or dependent adult is in imminent danger, CALL 911.

Hours and Directions

The Child Protection Center is located at St. Luke's Children's Campus in Hiawatha.
Children's Campus Map

Hours of Operation

  • Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed


View Map
Google Map of UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Child Protection Center
Children's Campus Map

About St. Luke's Child Protection Center

Our History

In 1987, St. Luke’s Hospital opened the first Child Protection Center (CPC) in Iowa to address the increase in suspected cases of child sexual and physical abuse. The first year we were open we served 300 children from 3 counties in Iowa. To date we have served approximately 35,000 children and dependent adults across the state. We became accredited by the National Children’s Alliance in 2003 and were most recently awarded re-accreditation in 2024. 

The CPC is a child-friendly, safe facility for children and dependent adults who are alleged victims of abuse or neglect. We work with a team of professionals to streamline the investigative process and coordinate services, minimizing potential trauma to patients and families. Our team members are specially trained to provide forensic interviews, medical evaluations, and advocacy services.

Prior to the formation of the Child Protection Center, parents often didn't know where to get help for an abused child. Often, the child had to be taken to the police station and would have to tell about their abuse several times to different investigating agencies.

The Center represents a community-wide effort to provide:

  • Centralized access and referral to a system of community services for abused children and their families
  • Coordination of high quality, reliable, consistent interviews and medical exams by specially-trained interviewers and physicians
  • Efforts toward identification, treatment and prevention of child abuse

Additional information on child protection and advocacy centers can be found below.

Referrals

Referrals to the CPC are made by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and law enforcement. Medical providers may make referrals for consultations. The Child Protection Center does not replicate any existing community service. The Center also accepts referrals when a dependent adult is the alleged victim.

St. Luke's Child Protection Center

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Services Provided

Forensic Interview
A forensic interview will be conducted by a specially trained forensic interviewer. The interviewer will gather information about the alleged abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence in a structured, safe and supportive manner.
Medical Examination
A trained medical provider will conduct an examination to evaluate you child’s physical and emotional well-being, address health concerns, identify injuries, and collect evidence related to suspected abuse.
Family Advocacy Services
Our Family Advocate will meet with you while you are at the CPC. We recognize your need for support and will provide guidance, education, connect you with resources, and assist you in navigating the human services and legal systems. In addition, our Family Advocate will maintain contact with you after the appointment to ensure the needs of your family are being met.
Mental Health Services
Effective therapeutic intervention is essential for children and families who have experienced trauma. We provide information about individuals and agencies that specialize in trauma-focused, evidence-supported mental health treatment.

Childhood Assessment, Referral, and Early Intervention (CARE) Program

We provide medical care to drug or alcohol affected children, support their caregivers, and ensure the overall well-being of the child and their family.

Services Provided

  • Developmental, social-emotional, and health assessments
  • Family-focused, individualized support that includes making referrals as needed or requested
  • Early intervention that enhances children’s development

Referrals - Referrals to the CARE Program can be made by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), medical providers, hospital social workers, and other community partners. Call us to schedule an appointment.

Resources

Child Abuse Training or Child Abuse Trainings

Child Abuse Prevention Education - The St. Luke’s CPC has offered child abuse prevention education to students since 1991 through our prevention program called Safetouch. This program is primarily intended for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Prevention education in schools provides students with the knowledge and skills to recognize unsafe situations, helps them establish personal boundaries, and encourages them to seek help from trusted adults. By educating children and furnishing them with essential information we aim to identify and reduce child sexual abuse and the negative impact it has on kids and families in our communities.

Presentations & Collaborations - We are proud to be an active partner in our community and welcome the opportunity to share our knowledge and expertise. Our team members are available to give presentations, participate in community events, and collaborate on initiatives that align with the services we provide.

Please call us for additional information about any of the educational or collaborative opportunities listed above.

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St. Luke's Child Protection Center

Frequently Asked Questions About CPC Appointments

How long will the appointment last?
You can expect to be at the CPC for approximately 2 ½ hours if one child is being seen.
Who should come to the appointment?
We recommend that no more than two caregivers or support people accompany your child to the appointment due to the confidential nature of the services we provide. Please note that there will be times when caregivers need to speak with CPC team members, law enforcement, and HHS workers without the child present. We have staff available to monitor the lobby and are typically able to provide one-on-one care to young children. However, during busy times it can be helpful if you have someone else available to wait with your child.
What should I bring to the appointment?
You don’t need to bring anything, though you certainly can if you would like to do so. We have a lobby filled with toys and activities. We also have small snacks and bottled water available for you and your child. If your child has a favorite comfort item such as a stuffed animal or blanket, please feel free to bring it with you.
How can I explain the appointment to my child?
You can tell your child that it’s OK for them to talk to the people at the CPC. You can also tell them they may have a check-up that is a lot like a physical they would have with their primary care provider. Please do not question your child about the allegations prior to the appointment. Instead, listen and provide reassurance but keep comments and questions to a minimum.
What happens during the appointment?
At the start of the appointment, you will meet with CPC team members, the HHS worker, and/or the law enforcement officer. We will gather family history information and discuss what you know about the abuse allegations. Next, your child will have a forensic interview and/or medical exam, and you will meet with our Family Advocate. After all of that is complete, you will again meet with CPC team members, the HHS worker, and/or the law enforcement officer. The team will provide you with recommendations for your child/family, describe the assessment/investigative process, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
What happens if I need to cancel the appointment?
Any cancellations or questions about appointment times should be directed to the HHS worker or law enforcement officer that referred you to CPC. Our team members do not provide this information over the phone to ensure confidentiality of our patients.
What happens if I have questions after I leave?
We are here to help. You can call us, Monday – Friday from 8:00 to 4:30.

Our Providers

Regina A Torson

Regina Torson, MD

Child Abuse Pediatrics

View Providers at This Location

Podcast: Child Abuse Prevention

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Community Resources

When you need some help, we would like to make it easier for you to find free and reduced cost services that address your needs. If you're looking for adoption and foster care resources, help paying for childcare, crisis support services or other types of support begin your search here.
Together We Care
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Support the St. Luke’s Child Protection Center

Because of donors like you, our organization continues to provide services to suspected victims of child and dependent adult abuse or neglect, close to home, benefiting our entire community and beyond. 100% of your gift will directly support our local programs and services.
Donate Today