An experimental evaluation of interdisciplinary training in intervention with sexually abused adolescents

Effective intervention in cases of sexual abuse of adolescents requires both knowledge of medical and other indicators and interviewing skills to facilitate disclosure. Public health settings are one place where the knowledge and skills of the health and social work professions can be effectively used to identify and protect adolescent victims. Interdisciplinary training was found to enhance requisite skills in this area. The experimental evaluation of a brief, state-wide, in-service training program found significant improvement in posttest knowledge of relevant indicators and interviewing skills and an increase in the number of cases identified and reported.