NCJ Number
248073
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 38 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2014 Pages: 1231-1237
Date Published
July 2014
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study examined outcome data for maltreated adolescents and children involved in a community-based rehabilitation program in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract
This study of outcome data on maltreated adolescents and children involved in a community-based rehabilitation program in Sao Paulo, Brazil found that small to moderate improvements in functioning were observed in the study participants at both 3 and 6 months after program completion. These improvements were positively associated with problems related to upbringing and negatively associated with physical abuse and negative life-events in childhood, and no association was found with sociodemographics or with any specific psychiatric diagnosis. Data for the study were obtained from a sample of maltreated children and adolescents, n=452, who were enrolled in The Equilibrium Program (TEP). The TEP is a multidisciplinary community-based rehabilitation program that seeks to integrate diverse professional services in an accessible community setting to meet the needs of the marginalized population of Sao Paulo. Study participants were administered the Children's Global Assessment Scale at entry into the program, and again at 3 and/or 6 months following completion of the program. The findings from the study indicate that while the improvements in functioning experienced by the children and adolescents were small to moderate, they occurred as a result of these professional services being made available in a safe, supportive environment. Study limitations are discussed. Table and references