Children with reported histories of sexual abuse: Utilizing multiple perspectives to understand clinical and psychosocial profiles

Ybarra, Michele, Walrath, Christine, Holden, E. Wayne, Liao, Qinghong, Santiago, Rolando, & Leaf, Philip. (2002, March) Children with reported histories of sexual abuse: Utilizing multiple perspectives to understand clinical and psychosocial profiles. Presented at the 15th Annual Research Conference, University of South Florida Research Conference for Children’s Mental Health, Tampa, FL.

Summary:

The critical findings from this study involve the unique contributions of the caregiver, child, and clinician perspective in the compilation of a comprehensive psychosocial profile for youth entering system of care services. Sensitivity, confidentiality, and willingness to disclose child sexual abuse and related issues are very real points of consideration during an intake assessment. The results of the current study indicate however, that these three perspectives may uniquely contribute to a comprehensive clinical and psychosocial profile. If service providers are to most effectively plan and case manage services for children with reported sexual abuse histories, multiple perspectives of behavior problems and ratings should be considered a necessity rather than a luxury.

Future studies may consider comparative analyses of individualized service plans and case management procedures that were informed via single verses multiple reporting perspectives. In addition, studies involving the comparison of children who have reported histories of sexual abuse with children who have combined reported histories of sexual and physical abuse would enhance the understanding of psychosocial profiles at intake in an effort to develop and implement individualized service plans.

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