This paper is informed by a UK based Economic and Social Research Council funded research project which developed and deployed a case-study approach to issues of touch between children and professionals in schools and childcare. Outcomes from these settings are referred to, but the focus here is shifted to touch in sports coaching and its…

Discusses child sex abuse cases from a prosecutor's view with particular emphasis on the Little Rascals Day Care Center case (Edenton, NC). The author addresses issues that can lead to a successful prosecution, such as pretrial preparation and having witnesses approach the jury with clear, concise statements. (JPS)

Discusses reasons that the Little Rascals Day Care Center case (Edenton, NC) was successfully prosecuted, including picking witnesses to testify according to their verbal ability, challenging the judge's decision to try the defendants together, and keeping victims' parents informed. One prosecutor developed a "court school" to familiarize child…

Discusses potential reasons for successful prosecutions in the Little Rascals Day Care Center case (Edenton, NC), most notably how little time elapsed between the testimony of the children and the decision of the jury. Other cases around the country have not been successfully prosecuted, perhaps because of the victim testimony timing. (JPS)

Examines the Little Rascals Day Care Center case (Edenton, NC) from the viewpoint of a therapist who worked with some of the children involved. The role of therapist is a difficult one in these cases as the definition of a therapist is stretched to include that of evidence-gatherer, and patient confidentiality is compromised. (JPS)

The medical director of a child protection center reflects on the unique problems of the therapist involved in court litigation and how these cases have changed the definition of the role. Therapists need to work with others involved in the case to minimize the harmful effects of such cases. (JPS)

Comments on some of the philosophical and moral problems inherent in prosecuting a child sexual abuse case. This particular case was complicated by the multiple victims and multiple perpetrators. Both medical and psychological clinical expert witnesses need to be aware of and respectful of the ground rules of the courtroom. (JPS)

The Little Rascals Day Care Center case is examined from a judge's perspective, with particular attention to docketing concerns for child sex abuse cases, the use of interdisciplinary teams, the "court school" approach, and issues related to ensuring the defendants are receiving their constitutional right to a speedy trial. (JPS)

The director of a child abuse service reflects on her experience with child abuse investigators in the early 1980s. She reflects on the lessons learned from dealing with people involved in the litigation process, and from problems encountered in dealing with the complex issues that arise. (JPS)

Three medical examiners involved in the Little Rascals Day Care Center (Edenton, NC) child sexual abuse case discuss their experiences. They were surprised to find themselves in an adversarial position against their peers, and the fact that medical evidence of child sexual abuse is controversial created difficulties that could not be solved in a…

This commentary on Steven Heckler (EC 608 725) notes the lack of evidence that facilitated communication responses were actually being produced by the child with autism who alleged sexual abuse. The commentary warns that misuse could result in the total discrediting of a methodology that might have some potential benefits. (DB)

The reported low incidence of child sexual abuse in Hong Kong is discussed in terms of cultural taboos, low level of awareness among professionals, and cultural attitudes of absolute authority of parents over children. Three case reports reflect the impact of these influences. (DB)

Addresses the therapist's reactions to clinical work with sex offenders. Focuses on the particular experiences of one case, and discusses the female therapist's responses to the male client that may be the result of other experiences. Explores some reactions and difficulties that professionals may encounter in work with sex offenders. (JPS)

Examines the strengths and weaknesses of two broad approaches to psychotherapy outcome research: (1) clinical trials methodologies; and (2) "naturalistic," descriptive methodologies. An example of an ongoing, naturalistic study of individual psychotherapy is provided. Discusses general methodological considerations that apply to both approaches.…

A high school teacher shares the stories of two of her at-risk students who are working to overcome their problems through her support and their resilience. The teacher states that her life will forever be changed for the better because of these courageous survivors. (Author/MKA)