(Cost)Effectiveness of the CPA Talking-with-children-intervention.

Like most Western countries, in the Netherlands a system has been developed through which suspected cases of child maltreatment can be reported to a Child Protection Agency (CPA). Such a report can be crucial when investigation shows that a child has indeed been abused and steps can be taken to end abuse and provide necessary care for child and family. This study examines an innovative approach in which maltreated children (6 years and older) participate as informants in the CPA investigation (CPA Talking-with-children-intervention). Before only adults surrounding the child (e.g. parents, teachers, general practitioner) were used as informants to substantiate the report of suspected child maltreatment. We expect that children who participate in the CPA investigation will benefit from talking about their situation. We therefore examine the effect of the CPA Talking-with-children-intervention on the mental health and quality of life of maltreated children (6-16 years old). In addition an economic evaluation will be performed to examine whether the CPA Talking-with-children-intervention is beneficial in terms of costs and utilities.

The research questions will be examined using a quasi-experimental design in which 90 parent-child dyads complete a questionnaire twice (6 months and 1 year after the CPA report). The control group consists of parent-child dyads in which only adults were used as informants during the CPA investigation. The experimental group consists of parent-child dyads in which children were interviewed using the CPA Talking-with-children-intervention in addition to adults as informants.

We hypothesize that the CPA Talking-with-children-intervention will have a beneficial effect on the mental health and quality of life of maltreated children.



We expect that children who participate in the CPA investigation (CPA Talking-with-children-intervention) will benefit from talking about their situation resulting in better mental health and quality of life outcomes. For example because more detailed information on the (abusive) family situation can be collected and better tailored care can be provided.

Parent-child dyads will be asked to complete a questionnaire twice: 6 months and 1 year after the CPA report.

CPA Talking-with-children-intervention:

Children are interviewed by a CPA employee as part of the CPA investigation following the suspected child maltreatment report. The aim of this interview is to collect information on:

1. Suspected child maltreatment experiences;

2. Existence of any family problems;

3. Child's need for help or protection;

4. Willingness to accept help or protection.

The duration of the interview will depent on the needs of the child.



In the control group only adults are part of the CPA investigation.

In the experimental group information from the child interview (CPA Talking-with-children-intervention) is used in addition to the usual adult reports. It is expected that children that take part in the CPA investigation will have less mental health problems and a higher quality of life.