NCJ Number
44889
Date Published
1977
Length
173 pages
Annotation
A DEMONSTRATION PROJECT IN WHICH DECENTRALIZED, COMMUNITY-BASED FACILITIES PROVIDE REHABILITATIVE SERVICES IN CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT CASES REFERRED BY A PUBLIC WELFARE AGENCY IS EVALUATED.
Abstract
IN THE CHILD ABUSE COMMUNITY CENTERS PROGRAM OF NASSAU COUNTY, N.Y., TWO FAMILY CENTERS -- ONE SPONSORED BY A SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE OTHER BY A UNIVERSITY -- PROVIDE PARENT-CENTERED REHABILITATIVE SERVICES (THERAPY, EDUCATION, SOCIALIZATION) TO FAMILIES REFERRED TO THEM BY THE COUNTY'S CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES AGENCY. THE EVALUATION REPORT DESCRIBES AND ASSESSES THE AGENCY'S OPERATIONS BEFORE AND AFTER THE REHABILITATIVE SERVICE DELIVERY FUNCTION WAS PLACED IN THE COMMUNITY CENTERS. EVALUATION DATA INDICATE THAT THE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM HAS BEEN ABLE TO CONTROL THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT WITH LESS RELIANCE ON AUTHORITATIVE MEANS (PLACEMENT AND COURT INTERVENTION) THAT ARE BOTH DISRUPTIVE TO FAMILY LIFE AND COSTLY. IMPROVEMENTS IN SERVICE DELIVERY APPEAR TO BE THE RESULT OF BETTER PARENTAL FUNCTIONING AND HEALTHIER FAMILY LIFE DYNAMICS BROUGHT ABOUT THROUGH THE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM. THE REFERRAL-DELIVERY MODEL IS SAID TO LEND ITSELF TO REPLICATION IN OTHER COMMUNITIES. SUPPORTING DATA ARE INCLUDED. (LKM)