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Police officers referred children from the scene of violent events. For 44% of children referred, MHS staff began face-to-face services within one hour of the time the police officer made the referral. (Many parents requested services later in the day, rather than immediately after the event.) MHS assessed the children and provided services in the family’s home, or a place chosen by the family.
Data showed that MHS made an average of 5 completed service visits for each family. Average total number of phone and face-to-face contacts for each family was 14. A total of 867 children completed crisis intervention services (40% of those who were referred and whose parents agreed to services). Children who needed more services were referred to a CWWV follow-up provider, usually a community mental health center or other nonprofit social service organization.
CWWV follow-up providers conducted a second assessment, provided needed services, and then conducted a third assessment upon achievement of treatment goals. A total of 612 children were referred for follow-up services (71% of those completing initial services).
ISPV analyzed data for the 314 children who had completed follow-up services and assessments by the end of July, 2001. It prepared a draft report of 16 October 2002: Children who witness violence program: Year 2 full report. Kent (Ohio) State University.
Analysis of the data showed that children who completed services felt less anxious and depressed, and parents reported that their children were less withdrawn and restless.
Children younger than age 8 showed significant reductions in measures of anxiety. Older children (8-16 years) reported significant reductions in anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and symptoms of dissociation. Parents and guardians of children 5-18 years old reported that their children were significantly less anxious and withdrawn, and had significantly less behavioral restlessness and hyperactivity.
Because there was no control group of untreated children, results of this study do not demonstrate the effectiveness of CWWV services. The study does show that children who participated in services showed improvements in symptoms and functioning that could not be attributed to random variability. However, children who got no services may also have improved just as much.
Reference
Institute for the Study and Prevention of Violence. (2002, October 16). Children who witness violence program: Year 2 full report. Unpublished manuscript, Kent (Ohio) State University.
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