APSAC Advisor

Abstract: This article examines the quality of online parenting information produced in response to two internet search queries, “How do I talk to my child about sex?” and “How do I talk to my teen about sex?” The content of 91 internet posts was coded to determine the extent to which they endorsed (1) 13 topics on best practices in parent-child communication around sexuality, (2) 9 topics related to sexual health, and (3) 11 topics related to sexual safety. Reading level was also coded. Numerous gaps in content were discovered. Suggestions are offered to strengthen posts directed to parents seeking support about speaking with their children about sex.

Keywords: parenting, sex education, blog posts, child sexual abuse prevention, sex education

Abstract: Families, community members, and professionals often view forensic interviews as traumatizing for children. However, research and practice in forensic interviewing indicate that these interviews are not inherently traumatizing. To minimize additional trauma, interviewers can employ techniques such as anticipatory guidance, interviewer support, and the promotion of narrative conversation. Anticipatory guidance empowers children by giving them a sense of autonomy and control over the interview process. Interviewers can routinely check in with the child to identify any barriers to disclosure and provide empathetic and non-suggestive support. Effective interviewers implement various strategies that encourage children to share their narratives, which is a well-established method that enhances the understanding of culturally relevant information and reduces the need for additional questioning. Case examples are discussed, along with implications for future practice.

Keywords: forensic interviewing, child abuse, trauma, anticipatory guidance, narrative

Abstract: This article describes the development and implementation of the Bilingual Integrative Trauma Treatment (BITT) Parent Group, a 12-week intervention designed for Latina mothers of children who experienced sexual abuse. Conducted in Spanish, the group provided a culturally responsive space emphasizing personalismo, familismo, and simpatía (see Table 1 below). Sixteen participants reported reduced psychological distress and improved coping, supported by both quantitative measures and qualitative reflections. Key strategies included relaxation, mindfulness, psychoeducation, and collaboration with legal and immigrant-rights agencies to reduce fear and mistrust. The BITT model highlights the importance of addressing caregiver trauma as central to child recovery and offers a feasible, community-centered framework for engaging underserved Latina caregivers within child abuse treatment settings that warrants current replication.

Keywords: bilingual trauma treatment; Latina mothers; child sexual abuse; culturally responsive care; group psychotherapy; immigrant families

Abstract: Youth in foster care are at significantly increased risk for suicide compared to peers not in foster care, necessitating urgent evaluation of systemic barriers, fragmented care coordination, and limited procedures currently in place surrounding suicide screening for these youth. Universal screening, training for both healthcare and child welfare professionals, advocacy for updated policies, and integrated care models that champion care coordination across systems are key to providing early identification and interventions for suicide risk for youth in foster care. Given known disjointed care, medical complexities, and health disparities facing youth in foster care, trauma-informed and collaborative care must be provided by all professionals to mitigate known suicide risk and provide equitable healthcare for youth in foster care.

Keywords: foster care, child maltreatment, suicide, suicidal ideation, LGBTQIA+

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic forced child welfare providers to shift to virtual training platforms, raising questions about the quality of virtual versus in-person instruction. This study evaluated whether there are significant differences in quality between virtual and in-person formats of the ACT Raising Safe Kids Facilitator Training, which prepares professionals to deliver evidence-based, childhood violence prevention parenting programming. Archival data were examined from two virtual and three in-person training sessions between 2019-2022. Independent samples t-tests revealed no significant differences between groups in terms of preparedness, satisfaction, and implementation likelihood. However, virtual participants reported significantly greater audiovisual material satisfaction and trended toward greater preparedness to work with diverse populations. Findings suggest that virtual training can be as effective as in-person delivery.

Keywords: virtual training, child abuse prevention, professional development, online learning.