An intervention that youth workers can use to help a young person through an abusive or neglectful situation.

OVERVIEW

Children are coming to our churches silently suffering the mental and physical shame, rejection, and pain associated with abuse. Often this abuse, one way or another, has been secretly confessed and privately prayed over. The following method of intervention should assist youth workers, ministers, and pastors in developing a concrete approach towards addressing the issue of child abuse. It is a cooperative effort that includes working with collateral agencies which may already be involved with the family (i.e., school, police/court, pediatrician, therapist/counselor, social worker). The intervention should also be family based. Attempts should be made to meet with parents, siblings, and any other significant family members, in order to obtain an accurate understanding of the existing family dynamics.

WRITER'S EXPERIENCE

I am an employee of the Massachusetts Department of Social Services (DSS), a licensed social worker, and an ordained deacon. I have worked for DSS as a child abuse worker for 12 years. I also work with youth as a Bible teacher and provide some level of intervention with abused and/or neglected children. Specifically, I have worked with children who demonstrate “concerning behaviors” (i.e., poor anger management, parental or authority defiance, verbal or physical assault). It is important to mention that I am not nor have I been the primary therapist during these interventions. While it is clear from the onset that the needs of abused children are many, a meaningful and committed intervention can be the start to emotional, mental, and spiritual restoration.

PURPOSE OF INTERVENTION

The facilitator of the intervention should seek to first establish an atmosphere of trust and safety for the individual being counseled. This may already be established. If not, expressing a genuine interest in the individual’s story is always a good place to begin. The goal is to engage in open discussion about abuse and its impact. During discussion, the facilitator should constantly assess the current and future risk for abuse. If it is conceivable that another incident of abuse will occur, immediately contact the local child protection agency. The facilitator should attempt to help the young person minimize further risk of danger to self or others; identify and label feelings; identify triggers; and develop appropriate ways to express feelings. Some of these goals can be achieved independent of professional therapy. However, it is always appropriate to consult collateral agencies, to coordinate intervention efforts.

EXACT NATURE OF INTERVENTION

Intervention of this type should occur only after it has been determined that it is safe to do so. The following conditions indicate that the intervention is most likely appropriate and safe: when the abuser no longer has access to the child; if the abuse is not current and/or ongoing ;or if the child has expressed no fear of primary care-provider.

There should be an established, regular, mutually agreeable meeting place and time. It is also helpful, depending upon the age of the child, to establish a length of time regarding each meeting. Additionally, it is a good idea to construct a mutually agreeble covenant—again age appropriate—to govern the process, use of information, and confidentiality issues. Work to re-establish and affirm the child’s self-worth and self-esteem.

PRINCIPLES OF INTERVENTION

There are three main steps to any meaningful intervention. The facilitator must be able to assess the issue, analyze information and develop an action plan. In the initial phase of intervention, it is important to get as much accurate information as possible. During the assessment phase, attempt to obtain information regarding family background and history, others in the home, home and financial situation, and how the family members are relating. Seek to identify this child’s “assigned” and “assumed” role in the family. Is he or she the scapegoat? Has he or she been parentified? Throughout the intervention, assessing the current risk of abuse or neglect. With the permission of the custodial parent, meet with professionals involved, to analyze information collected through the assessment. These two phases are important, as they will dictate the direction and focus of the future intervention. If there are no collateral agencies involved, discuss the situation with the pastor. Under no circumstances should you attempt the analyzing process alone. Once the second stage is complete, develop an action plan regarding your intervention. Include tasks, objectives, and/or assignments for the young person and, if possible, the parents. If the child is currently engaged in counseling, you may be able to access the counselor’s treatment or service plan. Should one already exist, speak to the counselor about how you can best assist in the achievement of the treatment goals.

PRECAUTIONS

Dealing with the matter of abuse—current or past—is extremely challenging. The abused individual has established methods for dealing with the abuse that may initially resist intervention. Most intervention in this area is long term. It may involve working with the entire family and/or collateral agencies (i.e., the school, juvenile court, and clinical professionals). It may also require some knowledge of child welfare or protective services regulations in your state or country. And, as a youth worker, you fall under the category of a mandated reporter; if, during the course of your intervention, you become aware of a situation, information, or condition that appears to place a child at risk, a report should be filed with the local child protection agency. It is not your responsibility nor role to determine the extent or severity of the abuse.

FURTHER SUGGESTIONS

It is strongly recommended that you receive training and licensing through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Most ministers and lay-workers underscore the value of training and licensure.

 Dan G. Hayes cCYS