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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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3. Target Population

AF-CBT is most appropriate for use with physically abusive or coercive parents and their school-aged children (Kolko, 1996a; 1996b).

Appropriate Populations for Use of AF-CBT

Appropriate candidates for this program include:

• Parents of physically abused children who:
• Need to improve their child behavior management skills
• Lack knowledge of alternatives to punitive forms of child discipline
• Need guidance in creating more positive interaction with their child
• Physically abused children who exhibit externalizing behavior problems, including aggressive behavior and poor social competence. Often these characteristics are found in families with heightened levels of conflict and coercion.

Limitations for Use of AF-CBT

Parents with psychiatric disorders that may significantly impair their general functioning or their ability to learn new skills (e.g., substance use disorders, major depression) may benefit from alternative or adjunctive interventions designed to address these problems (Chadwick Center, 2004). In addition, children or parents with very limited intellectual functioning, or very young children, may require more simplified services or translations of some of the more complicated treatment concepts. Children with psychiatric disorders such as attention-deficit disorder (ADD) or major depression may benefit from additional interventions. Traumatized children, especially sexually abused children, may respond better to trauma-focused therapy. For more information, see the Child Welfare Information Gateway issue brief, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Addressing the Mental Health of Sexually Abused Children.

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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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Updated on October 9, 2009