NCJ Number
95598
Date Published
1984
Length
118 pages
Annotation
The history of the Polk County Intra-Family Sexual Abuse Program (IFSAP) is traced, program procedures are discussed, and program evaluation findings are presented.
Abstract
The evaluation targets six program components: program coordination, investigation, intervention with the family, juvenile court, treatment, and prosecution. The evaluation of program coordination addresses the effectiveness of the weekly meetings, the effectiveness of the program manager, training and procedures, and public education. The weekly staff meetings are identified as the key to the the IFSAP program's success. The investigative component is evaluated in eight areas, including taping of investigative interviews and the arrest/confession rate. The Des Moines Police Force is criticized as the weakest link in the program, primarily because of its lack of support and cooperation with other system components, poor child-interviewing skills, and little sensitivity to the needs of victims and their families. The evaluation of the intervention component brought two recommendations: more family counseling and a comprehensive orientation for new IFSAP participants. Findings show the juvenile court to be sensitive to the problem of intra-family abuse, the treatment component to be functioning well, and sentencing practices to be in line with the program philosophy. Six tables and two appendixes containing evaluation instruments are included.