North Carolina Celebrates 50 Years of Child Medical Evaluation Program

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the University of North Carolina’s School of Medicine (UNC SOM) Department of Pediatrics are marking a significant milestone. For five decades, the Child Medical Evaluation Program (CMEP) has played an essential role in supporting child welfare services across the state. Established in 1976, this state-funded initiative has continuously evolved to meet the needs of vulnerable children and families.

Secretary Dev Sangvai of NC Health and Human Services emphasized the program’s enduring impact, stating, “Every child in North Carolina deserves the opportunity to thrive in a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment. For half a century, the Child Medical Evaluation Program has been a cornerstone of our state’s child welfare infrastructure—driving best practices, protecting vulnerable children, and anchoring our support for families.”

Initially launched to address the need for expert medical evaluations in child protective services (CPS) assessments, CMEP has successfully built a network of qualified providers. These providers assist child welfare agencies by delivering comprehensive evaluations and crafting treatment plans to ensure the well-being of children.

Lisa Tucker Cauley, NCDHHS Director of Human Services, highlighted the program’s achievements, noting, “For 50 years, the collaboration between NCDHHS and UNC has improved the lives of children across the state. As we celebrate this anniversary, we recognize all of the child welfare workers and medical professionals who have made this partnership possible and impacted the lives of so many children.”

Child Medical Evaluations (CMEs) are conducted by professionals such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician’s assistants. These neutral experts work closely with families and child welfare workers to identify and address concerns of abuse or neglect, offering recommendations for medical and mental health care as necessary. This service, referred through CPS, remains free for families, with funding provided by the Division of Social Services or NC Medicaid.

Over the years, CMEP has expanded significantly, now serving over 5,000 children and families annually, compared to fewer than 1,000 in its early days. This growth underscores the program’s critical role in safeguarding the health and safety of North Carolina’s children.

Dr. Stephanie Davis, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at UNC, praised the program’s comprehensive approach: “We are proud of the physicians, child welfare professionals, and partner organizations whose dedication has strengthened access to expert medical consultation and support for children and families throughout our state.”

In North Carolina, all adults are required to report suspicions of child abuse or neglect to local DSS offices. When a report is made, NCDHHS ensures the information reaches the appropriate county and guides the reporter to inform local DSS offices.

The collaboration between NCDHHS and UNC SOM continues to be a vital resource in protecting North Carolina’s most vulnerable populations, as both institutions remain committed to enhancing the state’s child welfare system.