Forensic nurse details dangers of child grooming as EPCH clinic works to provide help

Grooming kids for child abuse is unfortunately not an uncommon thing in the Borderland.

"Unfortunately, we see child abuse way more often than people would like to admit," said Deenayy McDaniel, a forensic nurse with

Given the latest arrests of El Paso employees charged with inappropriate conduct with students, we looked to see what resources were available for families going through these difficult incidents.

"Child grooming is the process of an adult building a relationship with a child, using emotional connection, trust, and sometimes financial means," McDaniel said.

She said this leads to manipulation and ultimately abuse or exploitation of an underage minor who sometimes lacks things like financial resources, parental involvement, or emotional support.

Earlier this week a mother came forward talking about the frustration, anger and sadness she felt when she found out that her 10-year-old daughter was allegedly touched inappropriately by her bus driver.

"It's hard for me because I trusted this man," she said.

McDaniel said trust is what a predator tries to get, to then commit these types of crimes.

"Once they gain that trust of the child, they will start to push boundaries and exploit that child. Usually, it starts with an inappropriate touch or an inappropriate comment and then they'll continue to escalate it to see how far they can go with the child," McDaniel said.

Currently, the EPCH C.A.R.E.S clinic offers multiple resources, including sexual assault exams and other help to families navigating these situations.

Sexual assault tests also known as SANE exams are usually done within 120 hours of the suspected abuse, but McDaniel said kids often won't make an outcry this soon so the C.A.R.E.S clinic allows for evaluations that can help in court cases after that time frame.

While signs of child abuse can look different in any child and can depend on age, McDaniel said paying attention is important.

"If a child starts isolating themselves, withdrawing from friends and family, becoming very secretive. For a little one it could be that before they used to get excited to go with grandma and grandpa and now, they are expressing fear," said McDaniel.

What is also important is giving kids a safe space to be able to talk about things with someone.

"For every age is to let children know that they are not in trouble. Unfortunately, when this process starts it feels like they are in trouble because everyone is asking them questions, police get involved," McDaniel said.

In the case of the mother and young girl's case involving the bus driver, the woman said communication is something she has maintained with her children.

"So, we've had these conversations at different stages. So, they're very aware, which is why she told us right away," she said.

She, like other parents, is of the believe that kids should always feel safe, no matter where they are.

Learn more about the C.A.R.E.S clinic at the El Paso Children's Hospital here:

You can also contact the clinic by phone at 915-242-8560 and no referral is needed to receive services.