Factors associated with entry into therapy in children evaluated for sexual abuse

It is widely accepted that therapeutic intervention is an important and effective component in the treatment of the sexually abused child. The 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 intervention by the Department of Children's Services (DCS), law enforcement agencies, and mental health professionals was monitored. Those children 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 involved, were placed outside the home, and experienced abuse of greater frequency. Implications of this study for intervention with child sexual abuse victims are discussed. Recommendations are made for future research.