NCJ Number
94318
Date Published
1981
Length
13 pages
Annotation
After reviewing the background and purposes of Baltimore's Sex Offense Task Force and the Sexual Abuse Treatment Program, this paper addresses the programs' philosophy, the authority under which they operate, staffing, funding, eligibility criteria, program procedures, and treatment.
Abstract
Baltimore's Sex Offense Task Force and Sexual Abuse Treatment Program were proposed after it became evident to the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office and the Baltimore City Protective Services that to provide comprehensive services to all participants in sexually abusive families, a collaborative approach had to be used. The Task Force was formed to give more attention to the handling of sex offense cases, promoting public education about sex offenses and offenders, educating hospital and medical personnel about dealing with the victim and preserving vital evidence, and assisting in the development of victim services. The Sexual Abuse Treatment Program, which operates within Baltimore's Department of Social Services Protective Service Division, has the objectives of (1) delivering comprehensive social services in cases of suspected and confirmed sexual abuse of children, using a treatment method combining low caseload sizes and individual, group, and family therapy; (2) ensuring the safety of family members; (3) clarifying marital and family relationships; (4) preventing the removal of minor children from parents; (5) providing an alternative to incarceration for offenders when appropriate; and (6) encouraging indepth exploration and resolution of family dysfunction. The treatment involves a four-phase approach: assessment, brokerage, and referral; crisis intervention; long-term treatment; and maintenance and followup.