PROTECT

What is PROTECT?

PROTECT is a hospital‑based violence intervention program focused on children and teens ages 0–17 who have been injured by violent crime. We meet families shortly after injury and remain engaged through recovery, connecting them with resources, guidance and long‑term support to help keep children safe and thriving.

Our Mission & Vision

We meet families at the moment when change is most possible—right after injury. Our care is trauma‑informed, family‑centered and rooted in dignity and respect. Here's how it works.

During hospitalization

• A trauma social worker meets with the child and family at bedside
• Crisis support, trust‑building and immediate needs assessment

Before discharge

• Safety planning and resource coordination
• Connection to community and social support services

After discharge

• Continued follow‑up calls and case management
• Ongoing guidance to reduce the risk of repeat injury

Why This Matters

Violence does not happen in isolation. Many families face:

• Limited access to safe after‑school activities
• Housing or financial instability
• Ongoing exposure to neighborhood violence

PROTECT helps families navigate these challenges with compassion—without judgment—by focusing on safety, stability and healing

How We Can Help

PROTECT emphasizes prevention as strongly as intervention, addressing risks early and supporting long‑term well‑being rather than reacting after repeated harm

The Four Key Principles of PROTECT

1. People are treated with dignity and respect.
2. Healthcare providers communicate and share complete and unbiased information with patients and families in ways that are affirming and useful.
3. Individuals and families build strength by using resources provided that enhance control of their care and independence.
4. Collaboration among patients, families and community resources occurs in the delivery of care.

Effects of Trauma

Gun violence is a public health epidemic that is taking a devastating toll on our children. Whether it’s due to unlocked or unsecured firearms or violence in the streets, the key to preventing deaths or injuries related to firearms is to understand the individual’s risks and breaking the cycle of violence.

Facts About Gun Violence

Violent injury nationwide:

• The leading cause of death in the United States’ pediatric population is related to firearm injury
• 46,728 lives were lost to gun violence in 2023
• More than 2,900 children and teens die each year due to gun homicide
• Firearm homicide rates are highest among:
• Ages 15-34 & minority groups
• Repeat injury rates as high as 55% per the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

Violent injury in our community:

• 35% of patients less than 15 years of age at Ochsner LSU Pediatric Trauma Center with firearm injury were due to unsecured and loaded firearms.
• In 2024 at Ochsner LSU Health, there were:
  • 354 gunshot wound cases
  • 64 involved children and teens (ages 0–17)
• Gun violence is a public health epidemic that’s taking a devastating toll on our children and discussing it should be a part of routine care. Whether it’s due to unlocked or unsecured firearms or violence in the streets, the key to preventing deaths or injuries related to firearms is to understand the individual's risks and breaking the cycle of violence.