The CHIPS Center at Children’s of Alabama Marks 30 Years of Service

Birmingham, Ala.  (April 1, 2025) — Children’s Hospital Intervention & Prevention Service (CHIPS Center) is marking 30 years of caring for children this year.  The CHIPS Center at Children’s of Alabama opened in 1995 and serves as an outpatient clinic where children who have experienced suspected abuse and their families impacted by suspected abuse can come for support, hope, and healing. The center has a team of specialized physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, and counselors.  

“I am in awe of the dedication and service our CHIPS team has provided over the past 30 years,” said Debra Schneider, executive director of the CHIPS Center. “I am grateful for the never-ending support CHIPS has received from Children’s of Alabama and the commitment from our donors and the community.”

This milestone coincides with the CHIPS Center's recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least one in seven children experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year in the United States. The staff at the CHIPS Center collaborates with law enforcement, the Department of Human Resources, and representatives from child advocacy organizations. The center offers a variety of services, including forensic medical exams for suspected child abuse and counseling. Staff members also participate in community events to inform the public about child abuse.

“The courage and resilience of the children and families we serve is humbling,” said Schneider. “I am saddened for the children we lost to the preventable epidemic of abuse.  I always hope our work will no longer be needed, but until then, the CHIPS Center will be here.”

Schneider says if you suspect abuse, you should report it immediately. Anyone can report suspected abuse to the local Department of Human Resources. If you have any questions regarding child abuse, you can contact the CHIPS Center at 205-638-2751 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

The CHIPS Center will participate in the fourth annual Pinwheels for Prevention event, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to noon at Veterans Park, located at 7305 Highway 119 in Alabaster. There will be information for parents and activities for children.  The Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children on the Children’s of Alabama campus will be lit in blue in April to raise awareness.