What is it.
This article examines the impact of caregiver support on the mental health of youth who had experienced sexual abuse and received services at a CYAC in the United States. Youth ages 11 to 17 and their caregivers completed surveys on mental health after a forensic interview. This article provides valuable insights for practitioners to navigate interactions between youth and their supportive caregivers.
How can it help me?
While this study supports the theory that emotional support from caregivers plays a critical role in youth mental health following sexual abuse, there are key implications to improve practices within the CYAC environment. These insights can strengthen trauma-informed practices, inform victim advocacy, and promote caregiver support as part of mental health services for youth following sexual abuse. The authors argue that caregivers are more likely to overestimate the support they provide while the voices of young people offer a more reliable perspective to inform practice. By prioritizing the voices of young people, CYACs can strengthen practices and provide the most effective care.