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. 

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