This article discusses a solution-oriented and incremental approach to solving major social problems. If we are to solve important social problems such as child abuse, delinquency, and illiteracy, researchers need to generate effective programs that can be replicated and social service providers need to implement those programs with fidelity. The…

Proposed is a system of flexible options for the mandated reporting of child abuse and neglect, to improve compliance with and reduce burdens on the child protective system. Potential benefits and drawbacks of the plan, which would identify and train "registered reporters" and offer the option of explicit deferred investigation, are…

This report presents a guide to successful contracting of child and family social services during a new era in child welfare. The six chapters focus on: (1) "Privatization, Purchase of Service, Managed Care, and the Child Welfare Reform Agenda" (the continuing crisis, reforming the local child welfare delivery system, and the federal…

Interviews with 130 Dutch professionals helping incest victims and 50 adult women who were incest victims as children found that assistance was hampered by institutional distrust, inability of professionals to stop ongoing incest, frequent breaking off of contact by the young girls, professionals' shortcomings in knowledge and skills, and…

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…

A nationwide survey of 84 child protection workers found that 92 percent of the counties represented had a problem meeting their medical needs and would be willing to hire a physician assistant as medical consultant. Needs most commonly identified were providing parent education, interviewing, and interpreting medical information to a…

This study evaluated child sexual abuse statistics since introduction of a child sexual abuse program in 1985 in Shelby County, Tennessee. Findings suggest a highly fluctuating validation rate, higher validation rates for girls than boys, possible underreporting of male victims, and 78 percent of the perpetrators being known to their victims.…

Unique in its explicit use of a developmental perspective of all child welfare activities, this four-volume field guide was designed to support education and training of child welfare professionals throughout their careers. The volumes integrate both theory and practice, and can serve as text for college courses or inservice training, and as a…

This framework for methodological issues in risk assessment in child protective service work addresses standards for determination of risk; types of data collected; sources of information; types of possible errors; incremental validity issues; cultural context of decision making; assessment of problem origins; selection of outcome goals and…

This article examines issues that child protective agencies might consider when evaluating the impact of risk assessment implementation on service delivery. The paper recommends using qualitative and quantitative measures in a process and an outcome evaluation to determine the degree of model implementation and the impact of implementation on case…

Women (n=97) identified as at risk for engaging in child abuse were referred to the Child Parent Enrichment Project (CPEP) during or just after pregnancy. CPEP services involve home visits and linkage to community resources. No advantages on self-report measures or child abuse reports were found for the CPEP group compared to a control group. (DB)

Although fundamental in helping multiproblem families avoid placement, social support is a complex construct not easy to define and difficult to carry out conceptually and practically. Four family support programs are described that illustrate certain common denominators for implementation. (Author/RWB)

This handbook, in English and French, provides guidelines for reporting and investigating child abuse and neglect by child care providers, law enforcement officials, social workers, health care providers, educators, and others as required by Alberta's Child Welfare Act. The handbook addresses: (1) how to recognize abuse and neglect; (2) how to…

A literature review and case study provide detailed characteristics of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a form of child abuse wherein the mother falsifies illness in her child through simulation and/or production of illness, presenting the child for medical care while disclaiming knowledge of its etiology. Guidelines for medical, social service, and…

Describes hospital outreach programs and school based programs providing training to new parents and children to help prevent child abuse. Lists warning signs for teachers to be aware of. Includes a resource list and a discussion of ways that schools might help find missing children. (MD)