Evaluation of a Spiritually Based Child Maltreatment Prevention Training Program

The authors empirically evaluated a spiritually based 1‐day child maltreatment training program. Pretest, posttest, and follow‐up results indicated that participants' recognition of hypothetical maltreatment did not increase after training. Furthermore, although participants decreased their use of items known to dissuade decisions to report, they were less likely to report maltreatment posttraining and 1 month later. Focus group data revealed that participants felt more knowledgeable but insufficiently prepared to respond to maltreatment and that they needed opportunities to practice what they had learned. Suggestions for clergy, pastoral counselors, and mental health professionals working within spiritual communities are provided to inform curriculum advancements.