NCJ Number
145378
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (1993) Pages: 85-94
Date Published
1993
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article reports on five years' experience in building and implementing a doctor-social worker team for the evaluation of child sexual abuse cases.
Abstract
This interdisciplinary team receives 85 percent of its referrals from law enforcement agencies and the remainder from child protective service agencies, community physicians, the courts, therapists, and individuals. The evaluation consists of a videotaped interview with the child and a physical examination, including a colposcopic inspection of the genital and anal areas. The findings are reviewed by the physician and social worker, along with the law enforcement officer and family or caretaker of the child. Three primary benefits of a physician-social worker team have been identified: the partnership serves as a reminder that the history and physical examination provide more information as a whole than either can provide alone; it serves to reinforce the healing aspects of the evaluation process; and it provides an internal emotional support system for its members. 7 references