Service Outcomes in Physical and Sexual Abuse Cases: A Comparison of Child Advocacy Center-Based and Standard Services

Abstract

Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) were developed to improve on child abuse investigative services provided by child protective service (CPS) agencies. However, until very recently, there has been little research comparing CAC-based procedures and outcomes to those in CPS investigations not based in CACs. The current study tracked 76 child abuse cases that were reported to authorities and investigated through either a private, not-for-profit CAC or typical CPS services in a mid-south rural county. Comparisons between CAC and CPS cases were made in terms of involvement of local law enforcement in the investigation, provision of medical exams, abuse substantiation rates, mental health referrals, prosecution referrals, and conviction rates. Analyses revealed higher rates of law enforcement involvement, medical examinations, and case substantiation in the CAC-based cases compared to the CPS cases. Despite limitations due to sample size and non-randomization, this study found preliminary support for the assumptions underlying the establishment of CACs.

Description de l'organisation des services en centres désignés pour les victimes d'agression sexuelle dans les trois régions éloignées du Québec et exploration des services rendus aux victimes mineures /

“…Cela dit, une meilleure communication entre les différents acteurs conjuguée à des données compilées uniformément permettrait de mieux déterminer l'impact du contexte sociodémographique sur la qualité des services offerts. (Smith et al, 2006). De plus, il a été démontré que les services offerts par les CAC diminuent les facteurs de risque reliés à l'AS, en plus d'offrir une meilleure gestion des services immédiats offerts aux victimes (Edimburgh et al, 2008;Smith et al, 2006;Crime Against Children Research Center, 2004).…”

“…(Smith et al, 2006). De plus, il a été démontré que les services offerts par les CAC diminuent les facteurs de risque reliés à l'AS, en plus d'offrir une meilleure gestion des services immédiats offerts aux victimes (Edimburgh et al, 2008;Smith et al, 2006;Crime Against Children Research Center, 2004). Rappelons également le souci et la créativité démontrée par ces centres afin de rendre des services qui tiennent compte des caractéristiques sociodémographiques de la communauté dans laquelle la victime réside (Walsh, Jones, & Cross, 2003).…”

“…Les services offerts dans les CD québécois pourraient prendre appui sur le modèle des CAC en ce qui a trait aux mineurs puisque les retombées positives et la qualité des interventions, validées empiriquement, auprès de victimes âgées de moins de 18 ans, ne sont plus à démontrer (Edimburg et al, 2008;Smith et al, 2006). Le modèle de grille préliminaire proposé par Collin-Vézina, Dion et al (2011) pourrait se voir bonifié en tenant compte des facteurs de risque (p.…”

Interventions for families victimized by child sexual abuse: Clinical issues and approaches for child advocacy center-based services

“…However, this approach has been criticized for its apparent shortcomings, among those for inducing anxiety in the child victim, non-offending parent(s), and non-abused sibling(s), due to needing to report the abuse to multiple individuals in numerous settings, difficulties in transportation to multiple locations (e.g., medical examinations, court), and overall lack of coordination across these agencies (e.g., Jackson, 2004;Smith, Witte, & Fricker-Elhai, 2006). As a result, many communities have established CACs to address these shortcomings.…”

How Do We Recognize Recent Sexual Abuse in Children Less than 10 Years of Age? What Is the Role of Paediatric Wards? Experience in a French Paediatric Hospital

“…The studies of Edinburgh [27] and Smith [28] focused on young adolescents, but included children of these structures as incorporated into pediatric hospitals. Their experience showed better results not only for the assessment of speech in a clinical approach, but also in relation to the advice given to children and their families.…”