NCJ Number
223837
Journal
Child Maltreatment Volume: 13 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2008 Pages: 280-288
Date Published
August 2008
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated an experimental protocol used by nurses with parents to increase access to evidence-based mental health treatment (EBT) for children who are suspected victims of abuse.
Abstract
Research findings show that a simple protocol used by nurses can increase reported access to EBT for children completing forensic medical examinations for suspected child abuse and would likely be sustained in applied settings. The protocol results came from two studies; the first consisted of children receiving a forensic medical examination at a large children’s hospital or one of three Children’ Advocacy Centers (CACs) in urban areas in northern Utah. The parents rated a 29-item checklist of potential barriers and assets to access EBT. The checklist was derived from a research-based list of factors that are associated with an individual’s adherence to treatment recommendations. The results from this study suggest that a theoretically grounded protocol used during forensic medical examinations for child abuse might increase parental capacity and efforts to seek evidence-based care for their maltreated children. In study 2 the research also offers a model that is based on empowering consumers and the development of rapport to increase the diffusion of EBT. The results were similar to the findings in study 1. Study limitations and future research are discussed. Tables and references