While only a minority of children who have been abused or neglected engage in delinquent behavior, they are at a significantly higher risk. When youth do become involved in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, they present unique needs that require collaboration between the numerous systems and people involved in their lives. The…

Background:: A variety of definitions of child abuse and neglect exist. However, little is known about norms in the general population as to what constitutes child abuse and neglect or how perceived norms may be related to personal experiences. Methods:: We conducted a random-digit-dialed telephone survey of 504 Washington State adults.…

The fatality rate subsequent to reported abuse was analyzed for 11,085 children reported to the Washington child abuse registry. Compared to nonabused children, reported children had an almost threefold greater risk of death. Physical abuse carried the greatest risk of subsequent death, with relative risks also elevated for neglected or sexually…

Amid growing legal liability concerns, school districts are experiencing an upsurge in sexual abuse complaints against educators. Cases leading to teacher convictions in several states are summarized. Sidebars investigate why certain districts face multiple allegations and report on necessary actions for unprosecutable offenses, teacher defenses…

This guide explains the role of educators in dealing with cases of child sexual abuse. It provides general information on the causes and consequences of the problem, suggests ways of assisting children more effectively, and explains educator's legal requirements under Washington State law for reporting child abuse. Child sexual abuse is a general…

Investigates the effects of a self-protection curriculum taught to ten junior high special education students to increase their ability to identify strangers, recognize unsafe situations, use refusal skills, and understand acceptable and unacceptable touch. Results indicated a significant improvement in self-protection skills. Skills were…

Reviews literature on rural child sexual abuse and treatment. Surveys providers in rural Washington treatment programs. Responses describe agency characteristics, services, delivery problems, and suggested solutions. Reports providers' perceptions of service quality and interagency cooperation. Cites as problems heavy caseloads, lack of staff, and…

This study investigates prevention and treatment programs that deal with rural child sexual abuse in the State of Washington. A survey of 61 rural service providers examined agencies, services provided, problems faced in service delivery, and innovative solutions to those problems. The study compares responses from three types of agencies (mental…

Objective: To examine family risk factors associated with dissociative symptoms among homeless and runaway youth. Method: Three hundred and twenty-eight homeless and runaway youth were interviewed using a systematic sampling strategy in metropolitan Seattle. Homeless young people were interviewed on the streets and in shelters by outreach workers…