The division of child protection and forensic pediatrics in the department of pediatrics at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville is a nationally recognized leader in child protection, forensic medicine, education and advocacy. Through clinical care, research, training and community partnership, our mission is to improve the safety, health and well-being of children throughout Florida and beyond.
Randell C Alexander M.D., Ph.D.
Our division provides specialized medical expertise for children with concerns related to abuse, neglect, exploitation, and trauma. We partner with health care providers, child welfare professionals, law enforcement agencies, legal partners and community organizations to ensure that vulnerable children receive compassionate, evidence-based and trauma-informed care.
As one of the largest academic child protection programs in the Southeast, our reach extends across multiple regions of Florida. The division oversees Child Protection Team (CPT) programs serving Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, the Daytona Beach region, and Florida’s Big Bend region, including Tallahassee and surrounding counties. Through these programs, our faculty and staff provide services to children and families across a diverse geographic area encompassing urban, suburban, and rural communities.
The division has a longstanding history of leadership in child abuse pediatrics and physician training. We established Florida’s first Child Abuse Pediatrics fellowship and continue to train future leaders in clinical care, research, education and advocacy. Our faculty are nationally recognized experts who contribute to advances in child maltreatment prevention, forensic medicine and systems improvement.
Child Protection Teams
Child Protection Teams (CPTs) are independent, community-based programs that provide specialized assessments and consultation in cases of suspected child abuse, neglect and exploitation.
CPTs do not replace investigations conducted by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) or law enforcement agencies. Rather, CPTs supplement these investigations by providing specialized medical, psychological, social service and forensic expertise that helps ensure children receive appropriate evaluation, intervention and protection.
Florida Child Protection Teams operate under the authority of the Children’s Medical Services (CMS) Program within the Florida Department of Health and are authorized under Florida Statute Section 39.303. Through contracts with academic medical centers and community providers such as the University of Florida, CPTs deliver multidisciplinary services that support child safety and improve outcomes for children and families throughout the state.
Our Mission
To improve the health, safety and well-being of children through excellence in clinical care, education, research, advocacy and systems collaboration.
Our Vision
A future in which every child grows up safe, supported and free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Patient Care
Child Abuse
UF Health Child Protection and Forensic Pediatrics in Jacksonville provides compassionate, trauma-informed medical evaluations and support for children experiencing abuse, neglect, trafficking, and trauma. Our specialized child abuse pediatricians deliver objective, evidence-based assessments to guide medical care and child safety planning. This vital work prioritizes the immediate needs of vulnerable children and families while actively fostering long-term healing and resilience.
Child Protection Team Programs
Our pediatric specialists lead multiple Florida Child Protection Teams (CPTs) across Northeast Florida, the Daytona Beach region, and the Big Bend area. These multidisciplinary programs assist in evaluating suspected child maltreatment by providing medical exams, forensic interviews, and expert legal testimony. By collaborating with law enforcement, behavioral health, and social services, the programs strengthen local protective systems and supports families.
Education
Education is central to our mission. Our division sponsors Florida’s first three-year, ACGME-accredited child abuse pediatrics fellowship program, remaining committed to training the next generation of physicians and child advocates.
The program provides education for:
- Medical students
- Residents and fellows
- Physicians and advanced practice providers
- Child welfare professionals
- Law enforcement personnel
- Community partners
Through education and workforce development, we seek to improve the recognition, prevention and treatment of child maltreatment throughout Florida and beyond.
Research
The University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville is committed to fostering research by the faculty and residents.
This institution has been engaged in clinically applied research for many years and is enriched by the presence of faculty who have demonstrated excellence in performing research and in training new investigators.
For details about individual faculty research interests, please view their bios on the faculty page.
Contact Us
Serving Children, Families and Communities Across Florida Through Expertise, Advocacy and Compassion.
The University of Florida division of child protection and forensic pediatrics provides Child Protection Team (CPT) services across multiple regions of Florida, including Northeast Florida, the Daytona region and Florida’s Big Bend area.
First Coast Child Protection Team
4539 Beach Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: (904) 633-0190
Administrative Office
For information on the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville division of child protection and forensic pediatrics, please contact:
Cindy Sohacki
Executive Assistant
(904) 427-7746
cynthia.sohacki@jax.ufl.edu
Randell C. Alexander, M.D., Ph.D.
Interim Chief, Division of Child Protection And Forensic Pediatrics
(904) 633-0190
randell.alexander@jax.ufl.edu
Address
Division of Child Protection and Forensic Pediatrics
UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville
4539 Beach Boulevard
First Coast Child Protection Team
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Faculty