Introduction to Child Sexual Abuse

Introduction to Child Sexual Abuse is a six-day, competency-based curriculum designed to provide the social worker with a foundation for identifying and assessing child sexual abuse. Part 1 includes legal definitions of sexual abuse and related North Carolina statutes; personal and societal values and attitudes regarding sexual abuse; dynamics of the survivor, siblings, non-offending parent, and offender; and policies and best practices for conducting child sexual abuse investigations. Part 2 includes practicing interviewing techniques with the victim, siblings, non-offending parent, and offender; working with the juvenile offender; developing family-centered protection plans and case plans; treatment modalities; and ways to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue.

To view this curriculum's table of contents and a list of the competencies it addresses, click here.

The social worker's personal reaction to cases involving child sexual abuse is discussed. Ways to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue are recommended. Interview methods with the child, offender, siblings and the other parent are taught and practiced.

Introduction to Child Sexual Abuse is currently offered free of charge to social workers from North Carolina departments of social services. To learn more about class times and registration for this course go to ncswLearn.org, a site where North Carolina's human services professionals can discover and engage in the learning opportunities provided by the NC Division of Social Services.

If you work in child welfare outside of North Carolina and you are interested in learning more about this curriculum, please contact the Resource Program's training coordinator, Amy Ramirez (t: 919/962-4365; e: aramirez@email.unc.edu).