NCJ Number
97727
Date Published
1984
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This report describes and evaluates a team approach established in Norfolk, Va., to deal with intrafamily child sexual abuse.
Abstract
Begun in 1981, the Norfolk Family Sexual Trauma Team consists of child protection workers, police investigators, and Commonwealth attorneys. It uses existing community resources and works cooperatively with other agencies. It is designated as the primary investigative unit for child sexual abuse The goal of the coordinated multidisciplinary approach is to provide a consistent, empathic, and effective method of dealing with the problem. The police focus is to investigate and validate charges, while the focus of protective services is to investigate, ensure protection of the child, and provide family assessment and case management. The commonwealth attorney prosecutes charged offenders; the psychiatric teams provide therapeutic services to offenders, victims, and family members. Support and self-awareness groups are also provided. The project changed in many ways during its first year when it became apparent that it was not meeting its goals. Enforcement of probation and better communication among all parties involved were needed. From the outset, project coordination has been difficult. Some resistance to change has been encountered. It is recommended that monthly case conferences be held, that the police department establish a child abuse unit for serious cases, and that the feasibility of a court-based child sexual abuse treatment unit be explored. A group home for sexually abused children who need to be removed from their homes is also recommended. A chart showing the sequence of procedures for the team is included.