Child Abuse and Neglect

Abstract

Child maltreatment is associated with a range of negative outcomes, including mental health, medical, educational, and interpersonal problems. This chapter discusses (a) interventions designed specifically for common problems among children who have been maltreated, and (b) treatments to change abusive or neglectful behavior. The chapter draws from reviews conducted by the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare (CEBC). Additional models that have not yet been reviewed by CEBC, but would likely be highly rated, are also included in this chapter. The number of supported treatments in the child maltreatment domain has increased substantially over the past decade, including several that are adaptations of well-established models in related areas. Programs that have received the most empirical study and support to date are those designed to change physically abusive behavior among parents and those designed to address traumatic stress conditions among children. Models targeting child neglect have been studied less. Among models targeting sexually abusive behavior, there is evidence of good effectiveness for juvenile interventions, but mixed evidence for treatment of adult sexual abusers. The chapter emphasizes the diversity among children who have experienced maltreatment, and the corresponding need for services matched to the child's behavioral and emotional status and the child's coping needs. Keywords: child maltreatment; treatment; child abuse; neglect