County invests $7.5 million in Loma Linda University Health child abuse programs

Eight people standing side-by-side in front of a meeting dais. — From left, First District Supervisor Col. Paul Cook (Ret.); Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.; Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe; Dr. Amy Young; Children and Family Services Director Jeany Glasgow; Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez; Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman; and Chief Executive Officer Luther Snoke.

Each year, tens of thousands of children are reported to San Bernardino County as possible victims of abuse or neglect. At Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, a specialized medical team has become one of the most influential forces in identifying abuse, protecting young victims, and guiding families toward long-term healing.

Now, with a $7.5 million investment from the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, the team is preparing to expand its reach even further.

“With San Bernardino County’s population on the rise and more families seeking support, we must ensure our child protection resources grow as well,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “Expanding the RICA team means we’re ready to respond to the increased need and heightened awareness around child abuse.”

“We are incredibly grateful for San Bernardino County’s support,” said Dr. Amy Young, chief of the division of forensic pediatrics and founder of RICA. “This investment paves the way for stronger partnerships and a greater impact. I am excited to work together to build a safer, healthier future for our community’s youth.”

For nearly 30 years, Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) has served as the county’s lead agency for forensic medical evaluations in suspected child abuse cases. Today, the program, anchored by the Resiliency Institute for Childhood Adversity (RICA), is responsible for examining children, determining whether injuries are accidental or abusive, and coordinating with law enforcement and social services to ensure safety.

“These evaluations are an essential part of the process that ensures child abuse is recognized and a child’s immediate safety is secured,” said Young. “But more importantly, they open the door to healing. What matters to us is not only diagnosing abuse but understanding what the child and family need next.”

“San Bernardino County is committed to ensuring every child receives the care and protection they deserve,” said Luther Snoke, San Bernardino County chief executive officer. “The investment in RICA reflects our dedication to building a safer, healthier future for our most vulnerable residents.”

As the population has risen and awareness has grown, so has the demand for forensic medical expertise. Young recalls a time when the team handled about 500 cases annually. That number is now nearing 4,000 children a year, reflecting both increased access to specialized care and the county’s growing coordination with LLUH.

To meet this demand, the program has expanded steadily. What began as a one-physician service is now staffed by five attending child abuse pediatricians, five nurse practitioners and two physicians currently in training, making it one of the more robust teams of its kind in the nation. There are less than 350 practicing child abuse pediatricians nationwide, according to Young.

“It takes specialized training to interpret injuries, interview children appropriately, and understand the complexities of trauma,” Young said. “The larger our team, the more children we can serve with timeliness and accuracy.”

“Expanding our partnership with LLUH and RICA is a vital step toward building a coordinated, county-wide system, where every child has access to expert evaluations and trauma-informed care close to home,” said Jeany Glasgow, director of San Bernardino County Children and Family Services. “This investment reflects our commitment to working hand-in-hand with community partners, law enforcement, and families to ensure children are safe and supported.”

This fall, San Bernardino County approved a $7.5 million commitment over five years to help expand staffing and plan for new service sites that bring care closer to families across the region. The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in support after touring RICA and meeting with hospital leaders.

“Protecting children is a shared responsibility,” said Board of Supervisors Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. “Our unanimous support for this investment shows that San Bernardino County stands united in prioritizing the health and safety of our children.”

A key focus of the expansion will be plans to develop a coordinated system of care throughout the county with possible planned satellite locations, reaching regions where families often face hours-long travel to reach LLUH.

“When we invest in our children, we invest in the future of San Bernardino County,” said First District Supervisor Col. Paul Cook (Ret.) “Every child deserves to thrive, and this expansion brings us closer to that goal.”

The plan includes:

Training and hiring additional physicians
Creating more practice sites staffed by specialists
Building remote and regional clinical locations
Strengthening coordination with CPS, law enforcement, and the District Attorney’s Office

“We are investing in a network of care that reaches every community, building a stronger foundation for children today and for the generations to follow,” said Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez.

RICA’s integrated approach, combining medical evaluations, long-term primary healthcare, mental health support, family advocacy, research, and community partnerships, has gained statewide recognition. The program was recently named one of 10 exceptional trauma-informed care models in California through a state grant designed to formalize best practices.

RICA works hand-in-hand with Child Protective Services, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, county administrators, and community partners.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a healthy and safe environment,” said Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman. “By supporting Loma Linda University’s RICA, we are ensuring that our children have that chance.”

If you witness or suspect a crime, contact the law enforcement jurisdiction responsible for that area. Additionally, if the child involved resides in San Bernardino County, please contact Child Welfare Child Protective Services for that county. This means that if you believe the crime occurred in Riverside County, but the child lives in San Bernardino County, you’ll need to report to two different entities.

The child abuse hotline is accessible by dialing 211. By stating that you want to report a suspected case of child abuse, your call will be directed to child welfare or child protective services.

Additional County Update News – December 18