Describes the context, format, and goals of the Professional Carers' Group, a professional network designed to support a centralized treatment project for young people who have sexually abused others. Ways that group-based work with potentially isolated local professionals may help a treatment program maintain a systemic perspective is discussed.…

A study assessed the effectiveness of a new model of group treatment for 22 sexual-abuse survivors compared to 10 survivors who received individual therapy alone. Clients who received group therapy improved their depression, anxiety, and level of self-esteem to a greater degree than did the other clients. (CR)

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the independent effects of different treatment elements on a number of secondary problems related to childhood and adolescent sexual abuse, as well as investigate a number of different moderators of treatment effectiveness. Method: Twenty-eight studies that provided treatment outcome…

A meta-analytic review of 15 outcome studies of group treatment for sexually abused children and adolescents was conducted to establish a quantitative measure of group treatment effectiveness for this population. Results found that overall, the current group treatments utilized for sexually abused children and adolescents are effective. (Author/CR)

A treatment outcome study of 47 sexually abused children and adolescents attending a psychiatric facility found that mothers made more significant progress than children. Standardized measures revealed no progress differences based on type of treatment. However, clinical ratings suggested that group meetings in addition to family/network meetings…

The efficacy of outpatient, weekly group treatment for 30 girls, 9 through 12 years old, who were sexually abused was examined and compared to psychological status of 15 girls waiting to begin treatment. Two inventories were administered before treatment and approximately six months later. Treatment reduced the girls' perceived anxiety and…

A British follow-up study of 25 convicted perpetrators of child abuse compared group and individual treatment outcomes. Results found some evidence for positive change in the group condition in terms of greater honesty in reporting normal and deviant sexual outlets, in addition to the improvement in attitudes toward women. (CR)

Social learning and social cognitive theories are applied to the group treatment of adolescent sexual offenders in the Juvenile Sexual Behavior Program of Barnert Hospital Mental Health Clinic (New Jersey). The program provides the necessary environment for learning and reinforcement of social prohibitions and control of behavior; cognitive aids;…

A study of 246 child victims of extrafamilial sexual abuse (ages 2-14) investigated effectiveness of family participation in crisis counseling, individual parent/child treatment, children's treatment groups, and parent support groups. A family approach and services for parents in addition to intervention for child victims were key components in…