Regular Membership

Regular Membership in the Ray Helfer Society honors physicians from all medical specialties who have been recognized by their peers as being experts and leaders in the field of child abuse and neglect.  Criteria for membership include activities and leadership in clinical care, education, research, and advocacy. All applicants must have at least 5 years of committed involvement in the field of child maltreatment.  Training during residency is excluded, but fellowship training can be used towards the 5 years. Those certified in Child Abuse Pediatrics will still need to meet the other criteria for regular membership in the Society, such as the 5 years commitment to the field.

Membership applications for the Helfer Society are reviewed once each year. The deadline is July 1 each year. Two current regular members of the Helfer Society must sponsor an application for regular membership. One sponsor should be identified as the primary sponsor on the application form. The membership application can be downloaded below.

Complete applications must include all of the following:

1. A completed application form. (This is a PDF fill-able form that can be completed and saved on your computer in most cases.) Please type or print clearly.

2. A current CV.

3. A signed letter from the primary sponsor describing the applicant’s qualifications and accomplishments should be sent directly to the Helfer Society. This letter should provide clear evidence of the applicant’s leadership and activities including advocacy, scientific and clinical accomplishments, and contributions to research, teaching, or development of services for abused and neglected children.  The letter should also address the nominee's adherence to ethical standards. 

4. The primary sponsor must complete the primary sponsor report form, which the sponsor should consider carefully before nominating a candidate for regular membership in the Society. (This is a PDF fill-able form that can be completed and saved on your computer in most cases.) Please type or print clearly.
   

5. A signed letter of recommendation from the seconding sponsor supporting the application’s regular membership in the Society.

6. A check should be made out to the Ray Helfer Society for $20 to cover processing costs. Mail to The Ray Helfer Society, 350 Poplar Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126. This is nonrefundable.

All application materials, except the check, should be emailed to Dee Dee Bandy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by the deadline. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all materials are received by July 1 each year. Applicants and sponsors will be notified of the Membership Committee decision by July. Successful applicants will immediately become regular members of the Society. Membership dues are $125 per year.