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Medical, Legal, and Mental Health Service Utilization by Physically Abused Children and Their Caregivers

Medical University of South Carolina

Elissa J. Brown, ,

New York University School of Medicine

Ashli J. Sheidow, ,

Medical University of South Carolina

The use of medical, legal, and mental health services was examined among 37 Medicaid-eligible, physically abused children and their caregivers. Fewer than half of the children received a medical examination related to the physical abuse, but the majority had received basic wellness care, including immunizations. Roughly half of the cases were heard in family court. Fewer than half of the children were receiving mental health services. Children were more likely to receive services if the maltreating caregiver was not in the home. More maltreating caregivers received mental health services than did their children, but this still only accounted for half of the parents. Caregivers were more likely to receive treatment if they acknowledged the abuse. Children who participated in treatment showed reductions in parent-reported problem behaviors but showed increases in anxiety in comparison to children who did not participate in treatment.

Key Words: child physical abuse • service utilization

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