NCJ Number
227440
Journal
Trauma, Violence, and Abuse Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2009 Pages: 115-124
Date Published
April 2009
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study analyzed 11 empirically based articles relevant to evaluating treatment and interventions for perpetrators of child physical abuse.
Abstract
Findings identified a small number of empirically based studies demonstrating the effectiveness of current treatments and interventions with this population. The reviewed articles suggest that it is becoming increasingly popular to engage the child and the entire family in the treatment process rather than working with the maltreating parent. Another theme revealed noted the importance of addressing parents' social needs and providing case management services. High attrition rates and low levels of male caregiver involvement are common concerns in this evidence base. Studies do not always utilize control groups, and do not always structure the composition of control groups in a way that allows for comparisons among different studies. The evidence suggests that maltreating parents may initially minimize problems they are having with their children, thus creating challenges in determining the eventual effectiveness of interventions. Implications and future research suggestions are discussed. Data were collected from 11 studies and represented 8 different interventions to treat abusive caregivers and their families. Table and references