FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ENTRY INTO THERAPY IN CHILDREN EVALUATED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE

It is widely accepted that therapeutic intervention is an important an d effective component in the treatment of the sexually abused child. T he goal of this study was to identify children who are at risk for not receiving mental health services following sexual victimization. Nine -hundred and seventy-two children were followed for 6 months, and inte rvention by the Department of Children's Services (DCS), law enforceme nt agencies, and mental health professionals was monitored. Those chil dren who were most likely to enter therapy were Caucasian, between the ages of 7 and 13, had cases in which DCS or law enforcement were invo lved, were placed outside the home, and experienced abuse of greater f requency. Implications of this study for intervention with child sexua l abuse victims are discussed. Recommendations are made for future res earch.