The development of a multi-disciplinary approach to the assessment and management of child sexual abuse in an inner city Health District.

With increasing numbers of child sexual abuse referrals in 1985, professionals in an inner city health district recognised the limitations of existing child abuse guidelines for the sensitive investigation of such cases. A multi-disciplinary working party was set up under the auspices of the District Child Abuse Review Committee to develop more flexible guidelines, particularly for suspected cases. New guidelines were implemented which involved early consultation with a specialist multi-disciplinary team to allow a specific co-ordinated approach for the investigation and management of each case. The guidelines, the cases and the difficulties encountered by the different professionals involved are described.