Describes public response to the indictment of caregivers in California for the sexual abuse of children under their care. Child care professionals are urged to assert that all child care cannot be condemned because of what has apparently taken place in a few programs. (RH)

Seven functional uses of anatomical dolls in sexual abuse evaluations of young children are identified: comforter, icebreaker, anatomical model, demonstration aid, memory stimulus, diagnostic screen, and diagnostic test. The relevancy of criticisms is shown to vary greatly by doll use. The continued, informed use of anatomical dolls in sexual…

This article addresses the disabled child's particular vulnerability to child abuse and exploitation. Roles for schools and parents are described in detail along with specific signs of abuse. Stressed is the need to provide disabled children with accurate information on sexual abuse and with the necessary skills to protect themselves. (Author/VW)

It is important for school administrators and teachers to recognize the signs and symptoms of child abuse--physical, sexual, and emotional. Principals need to promote the awareness of child abuse with the faculty, and promptly report all cases to the appropriate agencies. References, lists of films and videocassettes, and information sources are…

This commentary notes that solid empirical evidence on the effectiveness of classroom-based child sexual abuse prevention programs is lacking. Prevention efforts need to target potential victims, potential perpetrators, and those aspects of the social fabric that nurture abusive behaviors; and the merits of prevention efforts must be discussed…

The paper presents a proposal for the addition of a specialized adoption agency for sexually abused children and youth to current services of a residential group home. The proposal resulted from the lack of appropriate families for children completing the Agency's Preparation for Adoption Program. Evidence suggested placements have been hindered…

This article discusses the nature and extent of the problem of sexual abuse in community programs that serve people with mental retardation, as well as differing judicial approaches in assessing their ability to consent to sexual relations. Potential sources of provider liability for harm caused to program participants are explained. (Author/DB)

Discusses the problem of violence against women in Canada. Argues that recent government efforts to address the problem deal with the symptoms only. Cites findings indicating that child and sexual abuse are among the foremost fears of Canadian girls. Concludes that society pays too little attention to violence against women. (DK)

This discussion of family therapy of sexual abuse survivors addresses the role of therapist countertransference in the treatment process. It is contended that attitudes toward family members and political, moral, and institutional beliefs undergird therapists' countertransference reactions, and consequently underlie interventions. (Author/DB)

Suggestions are provided to help school superintendents avert problems of sexual abuse by teachers before they happen: (1) screen employees carefully; (2) know your principals; and (3) have principals keep a sharp eye on their staff for potentially significant changes in behavior. (TE)

This paper explains forms of child abuse (neglect, emotional, sexual, and physical), outlines recommended school procedures for dealing with suspected child abuse in students with special educational needs, and emphasizes the need for increased teacher training and teacher action in reducing child abuse. (JDD)

This commentary, by a journalist, addresses the conflict between those who believe there is an "epidemic" of child sexual abuse and those who see a flood of "false allegations." Child protective workers are urged to make their achievements and limitations more visible to journalists. They are urged to not misuse confidentiality laws to protect…

Child sexual abuse is being reported more often than ever before and counselors need to be prepared to serve victims of such abuse. In offering course materials and activities in master's level counselor education programs, instructors may notice a reluctance by some of the students to deal with these issues. This reluctance may be due to the fact…

Reviews recent court cases in which students have been victimized by other students. Attempts to determine the application of legal principles to such situations and to develop proposals for administrators to manage their schools in a legally defensible manner. Considers the moral responsibility of administrators as protectors of children. (94…

Analyzes judicial response to employees who had been dismissed for sexual misconduct and objected to their school districts' dismissal processes. Issues tend to fall into three categories: elements of proof; relationship to the judicial evidentiary process; and standard for judicial review. Advises administrators to prepare, publish, and enforce…