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Abuse-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Child Physical Abuse
Issue Brief

Author(s):  Child Welfare Information Gateway

Year Published:  2007

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You are in section: Table of Contents 1. What Makes AF-CBT Unique 2. Key Components 3. Target Population 4. Effectiveness of AF-CBT 5. What to Look for in a Therapist 6. Conclusion 7. Resources for More Information

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Issue briefs include a review and synthesis of recent published research and selected program examples that demonstrate evidence-based practices.

Children who have experienced physical abuse are at risk for developing significant psychiatric, behavioral, and adjustment difficulties. During the past three decades, research has documented the efficacy of several behavioral and cognitive-behavioral methods, many of which have been incorporated in abuse-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (AF-CBT). AF-CBT has been found to improve functioning in school-aged children, their parents (caregivers), and their families (Kolko, 1996a; 1996b). AF-CBT is an evidence-supported intervention that targets individual child and parent characteristics related to the abusive experience, and the family context in which coercion or aggression occurs. This approach emphasizes training in interpersonal skills designed to enhance self-control and reduce violent behavior.

This issue brief is intended to build a better understanding of the characteristics and benefits of AF-CBT. It was written primarily to help child welfare caseworkers and other professionals who work with at-risk families make more informed decisions about when to refer children and their parents and caregivers to AF-CBT programs. This information also may help parents, foster parents, and other caregivers understand what they and their children can gain from AF-CBT and what to expect during treatment. In addition, this issue brief may be useful to others with an interest in implementing or participating in effective strategies for the treatment of child physical abuse.

Table of Contents

1. What Makes AF-CBT Unique
   
   
2. Key Components
   
   
3. Target Population
   
   
4. Effectiveness of AF-CBT
   
   
5. What to Look for in a Therapist
   
   
6. Conclusion
   
   
7. Resources for More Information
   
   

This issue brief was developed by Child Welfare Information Gateway, in partnership with the Chadwick Center for Children and Families. Contributing authors include David Kolko, Ph.D., Robyn Igelman, Ph.D., Nicole Taylor, Ph.D., Charles Wilson, M.S.S.W., and Maiken Thorvaldsen, M.A. Other contributors include Amy Herschell, Ph.D. and Barbara Baumann, Ph.D.

This document is made possible by the Children's Bureau, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The conclusions discussed here are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not represent the official views or policies of the funding agency. The Children's Bureau does not endorse any specific treatment or therapy.

Suggested citation: Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2007). Abuse-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for child physical abuse. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

You are in section: Table of Contents 1. What Makes AF-CBT Unique 2. Key Components 3. Target Population 4. Effectiveness of AF-CBT 5. What to Look for in a Therapist 6. Conclusion 7. Resources for More Information

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This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.

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Updated on October 9, 2009