Intervention Programs for Individual Victims and Their Families (From Violence in the Home - Interdisciplinary Perspectives, P 153-168, 1986, Mary Lystad, ed. - See NCJ-100818)

• NCJ Number: 100825
• Author(s): C Nadelson; M Sauzier
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: Brunner/Mazel, Inc.
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A model program to serve the specialized needs of victims of sexual abuse was developed to serve the greater Boston community following analysis of the psychological aspects of child sexual abuse.

Abstract

Data gathered by the New England Medical Center on 181 child sexual abuse cases between 1980 and 1983 showed extensive emotional stress and psychopathology. Symptoms varied according to age. The degree of violence involved in the abuse was a critical factor in the distress levels. Most victims needed more than crisis intervention. The greatest improvement occurred in the children receiving prolonged treatment in a specialized program. These data led to the establishment of the Family Crisis Program (FCP) for Sexually Abused Children. Following expiration of the initial grant, the program has continued on a fee-for-service basis. The program uses a model with four components: investigation, substantiation, and case management; clinical services; judicial system involvement; and advocacy directed at the public, the legislature, and human service providers. FCP offers nine services: elucidation of the allegation, assessment of immediate impacts, diagnostic assessments of the individuals involved, assessment of family dynamics, medical examination, selection of therapy, consultation and referral to other groups, therapeutic intervention, and periodic reassessment. 56 references.