NCJ Number
93391
Date Published
1981
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This paper describes a system of intervention for incest and other cases of child sexual abuse developed by the El Paso County (Colorado) Department of Social Services that has been effective in investigating reports and crisis intervention with victims and families.
Abstract
Colorado law states that reports of child abuse and neglect can be made to either law enforcement or social service agencies, but El Paso County has found that joint investigations are the most efficient and effective. Social workers who receive reports of alleged abuse and neglect must achieve an attitude of acceptance toward the involved individuals, basically coming to terms with their own sexuality and fears. The intake workers must also be knowledgeable about psychodynamics, convey an impression of competence in problemsolving, have excellent assessment skills, know the community's resources, and be aware of documentation needed in court. The assessment interviewer must explore the parents' background and relationships to each other and the child's development status and be sensitive to nuances of language and physical presence. Other intake actions include a physical examination and review of all other relevant records. El Paso has child protection teams of social service, medical, and law enforcement personnel who assess a case within 48 hours of the report and make recommendations. Crisis intervention should focus on keeping the family informed of what is happening and preventing family disintegration. However, removing the child from the home offers protection and forces the family into some action to preserve itself as a unit. A father's voluntary decision to remove himself from the home may be a way to pacify authorities temporarily or if he is understanding and sensitive, may be the first step in successful therapy. It is imperative that the child victim receive immediate and one-to-one therapeutic counseling, generally provided by the same sex. The intake worker in interviewing the parents must emphasize possible legal repercussions, rehabilitation aspects, and the need for commitment to treatment by both parties. The appendix describes El Paso County's adult diversion program for incest offenders. The paper includes 17 references.