In early 2011, JPA conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 nonoffending mothers whose children were involved in investigations of sexual abuse allegations at the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center. The interviews were conducted as part of the evaluation of the CAC’s Network of Treatment Providers (NTP) Collaborative Project (NTPCP), which later evolved into the Providing Avenues Toward Hope and Healing (PATHH) collaborative. The study was is designed to inform efforts to more effectively engage children and families in participating in mental health services. Since parents play a central role in determining whether children receive needed mental health treatment (e.g., Villagrana, 2010; Kopiec, Finkelhor, & Wolak, 2004), the study examined how mothers viewed: a) their experiences with CAC Family Advocates who provide support, information, and service referrals to families; b) mental health referral and linkage processes and concrete barriers to services; and c) whether and why the child or other family members needed mental health services. Key findings and implications are detailed in the Executive Summary.
Reporting Numbers
If your safety is threatened or you are facing immediate danger, please call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room or police station. To report suspected child abuse in Illinois, call 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873).
For 24/7 support related to domestic violence, call the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline, 877-863-6338, or chat with a Hotline advocate by visiting the website, the-network.org.
For 24/7 support related to sexual violence, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline, 800-656-4673, or chat with a Hotline advocate by visiting the website, online.rainn.org.
Give Now
Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center is battling abuse and restoring the lives of children in our community. Your donation helps put their future within reach.