Multidisciplinary Team Approach to Addressing Child Sexual Abuse at Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware
Date
2022
Journal Title
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Publisher
Delaware Journal of Public Health
Abstract
In 2019, 4.4 million referrals of maltreatment were made that affected approximately 7.9 million
children. It was estimated that 9.3% of the referrals were related to child sexual abuse (CSA). To
prevent negative psychosocial and health-related outcomes associated with CSA, CSA survivors often
participate in a forensic interview, medical and behavioral health assessments, and behavioral health
treatment while navigating other life disruptions or changing family dynamics precipitated by the CSA
(e.g., change in custody or household, lack of contact with preparator, etc.). The assessment and
treatment of pediatric survivors of CSA by multidisciplinary teams (MDT) can enhance families’
engagement and participation with the legal process, medical evaluation, and behavioral health
services. This paper explores the Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware MDT’s approach to assessing
and treating CSA, explores benefits and barriers associated with the current model, and discusses
public health implications of a MDT approach to addressing CSA.
Description
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Article
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Keywords
public health, child abuse, assessment, treatment
Citation
Dovi, A. T., Macaulay, J. L., Repine, A., De Jong, A., Williams, R. E., & Deutsch, S. A. (2022). Multidisciplinary Team Approach to Addressing Child Sexual Abuse at Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware. Delaware Journal of Public Health, 8(2), 22.