When a child initially discloses abuse to the therapist or when a child who has already partially disclosed the abuse is referred to the therapist for evaluation and treatment, that therapist needs to conduct an initial assessment with the child. In the beginning, it is important for the therapist to convey to the child a clear sense of what that therapist's role will be. The meeting room should be comfortable and have toys and other play materials evident. Notes on what was actually said, done, or drawn during clinical sessions must be carefully recorded. Evaluation of the child sexual abuse victim also involves sessions with the parents and foster parents to review the child's history. Frequently, it is necessary to work within highly charged situations that involve court-related issues of custody, visitation, removal of the child from the home, or criminal proceedings. When a child will be testifying in court, the therapist should devote some time during the sessions to addressing the child's emotional needs in preparation for the courtroom experience. 2 references