To identify applicants with past criminal records, 22 states have passed laws making F.B.I. checks mandatory for teacher certification. Because many teachers are affronted by background checks and fingerprinting, unions often block this type of proposed legislation. Insets provide tips on avoiding defamation and negligent hiring charges and on…

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…

The article encourages special educators to be more aware of their responsibilities regarding preventing, identifying, reporting, and intervening in child sexual abuse. Information on indicators of sexual abuse, issues in reporting sexual abuse, effects of reporting on the child victim, school-based interventions, and school-based preventive…

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…

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…

Explores negligent hiring, supervision, and retention of teachers who sexually abuse students. Examines the issue of defamation and suggests school policy that will work toward eradication of sexual abuse of students by teachers. (33 references) (MLF)

The purpose of this book is to help parents and surrogate parents think about what they want to say to their children about important life issues, especially at times of stress or when significant events are taking place in children's lives. The advice offered is directed to parents of children between the approximate ages of 5 and 12 years. Part…

Presents practical suggestions for managing a protective service agency for children when one of its staff members is accused of sexually abusing a child in residential care. The agency must balance the tasks of protecting the child, supporting the staff, and maintaining the integrity and reputation of the agency. (GLR)