Abstract
Child maltreatment involves actions or omissions resulting in actual harm or the potential for harm to a child’s health, survival, and development that is perpetrated by a person with power or responsibility, such as a child’s caregiver, family member, or teacher. Child maltreatment has been linked to numerous adverse outcomes in childhood and adulthood, including mental health problems. Given that parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT) has been offered as a possible treatment for young children who have experienced maltreatment, the current chapter provides updated information about the use of PCIT with this population. Specifically, this book chapter reviews common characteristics of maltreating families as they apply to the treatment model along with appropriate assessment techniques. It also provides a brief overview of case studies and research using PCIT to highlight support for its use within this population along with findings relevant for clinical application. Tailoring techniques and clinical adaptations for the PCIT treatment protocol are described. A case study is also presented to illustrate the assessment procedures, course of treatment, and challenges associated with conducting PCIT with a maltreated child. Finally, recommendations for future areas of research are offered.