How to Train Professionals to Effectively Manage Child Abuse Cases? The Case-Example of a University-Based and Multidisciplinary Training Program in Italy

Despite the increasing number of child psychological, physical and sexual abuse cases, and the subsequentneed for interagency interventions, professional knowledge about the dynamics, nature, strengths and difficultiesof the integrated response to child abuse is not universal. In addition to this, training programsfor the delivery of a multidisciplinary approach to child abuse cases has always received little attention.The purpose of this chapter is to describe the postgraduate training course “Assessment and treatmentapproach when handling child abuse cases and paedophilia”, developed by the University of Modena andReggio Emilia (Italy), as an example of a university based and multidisciplinary training to child abuseprofessionals. This program is aimed at assisting graduated communities’ professionals - such as childpsychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, educators, law enforcement officers, judges and lawyers - todevelop evidence based strategies to respond to child abuse. First the training program will be presented,describing contents and methods used to facilitate critical reflection and analysis of practice/policy: lectures,case studies, work-groups and team-building, web-based and experiential learning. Furthermore, theimpact on trainee knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors will be described and discussed on the basis of theexisting literature. Barriers to multidisciplinary work such as work style and communication differencesamong professions, attitudes and behaviors toward children, will be also critically discussed.