When a child experiences sexual abuse, access to compassionate, specialized medical care can make an important difference in their healing journey. At the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County (CACJC), the Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (PSANE) Program helps ensure children and families receive the care and support they need during an incredibly difficult time.

Behind this important work is a dedicated team of specially trained nurses who provide more than medical evaluations. They offer reassurance, compassion, and a safe, supportive environment when children need it most.

What Is the PSANE Program?

The PSANE Program provides specialized, trauma-informed medical care for children under the age of 15 who come to the hospital with concerns of sexual abuse.

First established at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in October 2018, the program expanded to Providence Medford Medical Center in 2020 and added after-hours and holiday coverage at Asante Three Rivers Medical Center in 2024.

Today, the program provides medical and forensic evaluations while also serving as a 24/7 resource for emergency department providers seeking guidance on child sexual abuse concerns, mandatory reporting, and appropriate follow-up care.

More Than a Medical Exam

For children who may have experienced abuse, a medical evaluation is about more than physical health. It’s also an opportunity to feel safe, supported, and heard.

PSANE nurses receive specialized training to approach each examination with sensitivity and compassion, prioritizing each child’s physical and emotional well-being. Their work includes addressing medical concerns, assessing potential injuries, and conducting forensic evaluations when appropriate, all while minimizing additional stress for the child.

The care doesn’t end at the hospital. Following an examination, children and families are connected with the Children’s Advocacy Center in Jackson or Josephine County for ongoing support, including advocacy, mental health services, and medical follow-up.

This collaborative approach helps ensure families have access to the resources and support they need as they move forward.

The People Behind the Care

The PSANE Program includes a Medical Director, PSANE Coordinator, Clinical Operations Specialist, and a dedicated team of approximately five to eight nurses.

Their work requires medical expertise, compassion, and a commitment to supporting children and families during some of their most vulnerable moments.

CACJC Medical/PSANE Coordinator Lacie Lacy, BSN, RN, shares why this work is so meaningful:

“In the moments when a child feels most vulnerable, a PSANE nurse provides safety, compassion, and a path toward healing. While this work can be challenging, it is also deeply meaningful. We do it because children need dedicated professionals who are willing to stand beside them, listen to them, and ensure they receive the care, support, and advocacy they deserve. Every child is worthy of healing, and it is a privilege to be part of that journey.”