Treatment and Counseling Services

Following the interview and medical exam, the team decides, with the family, on a safety plan for the child and their family members, and follow-up treatment recommendations.  Most families request and are referred for counseling at one BCAC’s treatment partners.  BCAC remains in contact with families to help ensure that they are receiving the services recommended, and that no additional services need to be provided.

 

If the team of non-BCAC workers concludes that sexual abuse occurred, the Baltimore Police and the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office determine the next step in prosecuting the abuser.  BCAC is simply utilized to discover facts, not to make this determination.

 

In some cases, children are too shy or frightened to talk about the abuse.  When this happens, the interviewer may suggest that the child be immediately enrolled in a counseling program geared to helping abused children.  Or, children may be invited back to BCAC to participate in an Extended Forensic Assessment (EFA) that gives them an opportunity to become more comfortable telling their stories over a longer period of time.

 

During the investigation process, it is not unusual for a parent or caregiver to reveal that they too, were sexually abused as a child.  Many never received counseling or support they needed to help them deal with and confront the abuse.  BCAC works with organizations serving survivors of child sexual abuse and strongly encourages parents and caretakers to utilize these resources for ongoing support.