SALISBURY TWP., Pa. — A Lehigh Valley Health Network physician facing multiple lawsuits over alleged child abuse misdiagnoses has announced her retirement.
On the same day, Lehigh County announced in a news release that its Office of Children and Youth Services would create a new "community-based" Child Advocacy Center, or CAC, in Center City Allentown.
Child Advocacy Center Press Release by Olivia Marble on Scribd
Dr. Debra D. Esernio-Jenssen will retire March 31. The retirement was confirmed in a one-sentence emailed statement from LVHN on Friday afternoon.
As director of LVHN’s John Van Brakle Child Advocacy Center, Esernio-Jenssen was in charge of investigating allegations of child abuse.
CACs centralize the response to child abuse allegations by having one place for interviews, therapy, medical exams, case management and other services, according to the National Children’s Alliance.
It is unclear whether LVHN will have a role in the county's new CAC.
"The Office of Children and Youth Services will work with the County Executive, the Board of Commissioners, and other community partners to bring the services of its Child Advocacy Center back into the heart of Allentown where services and agencies are accessible for the community," the news release read.
"Both the Office of the District Attorney and local law enforcement will be joining us in this new venture."
The release did not say whether LVHN would be involved.
LVHN's response
In an email, LVHN did not answer that question.
It said it has "been in continuous conversation with our partners in the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) and look forward to meeting with them on the evolution of the CAC."
"We remain focused on working with Lehigh County and all other jurisdictions to protect children," the email said.
"Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has dedicated significant resources to the CAC, which is fully accredited by the National Children’s Alliance (NCA) under the latest National Standards of Accreditation, achieving the highest level of assured quality of services for children and families.
"Since its inception in 2014, the CAC has provided services to more than 5,000 child victims and their families, investing more than $6.5 million over 10 years.
"Consistent with the mission of child advocacy centers, all services at the CAC are provided regardless of ability to pay.
"Health care professionals have the responsibility of keeping children safe and healthy, which includes reviewing and reporting suspicions of child abuse and neglect.
"Like all health care providers and caregivers in Pennsylvania, we are required by law to report suspected child abuse. Early recognition of abuse can be lifesaving and our clinicians remain committed to caring for and protecting the children in our community."
Lehigh County did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
The news release cited “recent transitions involving LVHN" as the reason for the change.
CAC services "will continue to be provided from the Lehigh County Government Center until the new arrangements are finalized," the release read.
Allegations against LVHN, Esernio-Jenssen
Esernio-Jenssen, LVHN and the CAC are facing lawsuits by families from the Lehigh Valley accusing them of unfounded allegations of child abuse that they say have permanently and irreparably damaged and harmed the plaintiff and the child.
The first lawsuit lists 17 causes of action against the doctor and LVHN, including corporate negligence, interference with parental rights and medical professional liability.
Esernio-Jenssen is also accused of over-diagnosing cases of Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
The syndrome is defined as the act of one person fabricating or inducing an illness in another to meet his or her own emotional needs through the treatment of the process.
The families had their children taken away by county Child Protective Services in the Lehigh Valley and were accused of Munchausen by proxy.
“As Dr. Jenssen steps into retirement, it’s a pivotal moment for us to embrace change, enhancing how the county protects our families and children."Mark Pinsley, controller, Lehigh County
Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley on Friday issued the following statement on Esernio-Jenssen’s pending retirement:
“As Dr. Jenssen steps into retirement, it’s a pivotal moment for us to embrace change, enhancing how the county protects our families and children. This is an opportunity to innovate and strengthen our community’s health and safety protocols.”
LVHN defends its work
In a previous statement, LVHN defended its work.
"Like all health care providers and caregivers in Pennsylvania, we are required by law to report suspected child abuse and we take this responsibility seriously," the statement read. "Early recognition of abuse can be lifesaving and our clinicians remain committed to caring for and protecting our patients."
In August, Pinsley made public a report detailing the alleged child abuse diagnoses.
Pinsley’s report was followed in September by Esernio-Jenssen being replaced after a year-long search by LVHN.
This article was updated to include information about the new Child Advocacy Center.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Lehigh Valley Health Network is a financial supporter of Lehigh Valley Public Media and a founding supporter of LehighValleyNews.com. LVHN has no influence on our editorial or business operations.
