NCJ Number
183110
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect - Special Issue Volume: 24 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2000 Pages: 9-23
Date Published
2000
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article examines treatment for child victims of extrafamilial sexual abuse and their families.
Abstract
The article describes intervention with a sample of 246 child victims, ages 2-14 years, and 323 parents. Families participated in crisis counseling, individual treatment for the child victim and/or parent, children’s treatment groups, or parent support groups - or were referred to other resources. A family approach and services for parents in addition to intervention for child victims were key components in facilitating recovery. A significant factor in recovery for child victims was the parents’ capacity to resolve their own distress and to support the child victim. Clinical observations and client feedback showed positive outcomes for both child victims and parents. Programs for treatment of extrafamilial sexual abuse victims and their families can be effectively based at outpatient medical settings, mental health clinics, private or public social service agencies, and child advocacy centers. Supportive services for the whole family can then be extended in an effective way for cases that will be prosecuted as well as those that are not prosecuted. Tables, references