The paper explores ways in which licensing of out-of-home care can be strengthened to improve child care and prevent child abuse. Protections for general child care are noted, including reference checks, review of child abuse report registers, and educational requirements. Additional activities other than rule enforcement activities that are…

Describes powerful cultural ideologies which inform reactions to instances of sexual abuse at childcare facilities. Subtle and persistent beliefs and assumptions about mothering, families, children, and sex influence social, political, and legal reaction to this problem. These beliefs can distort our vision of reality and possibility. (Author/LHW)

Presents the Child Abuse Storm Scale as a method for assessing the potential for false reports of child abuse resulting in prosecutions. Focuses on the prosecutorial techniques that contribute to false-report errors. Maintains that safeguarding the separation of the responsibilities of protective service workers and therapists from…

Reviews eight situations that have legal implications concerning child abuse for child care directors. Also notes some new state laws and trends concerning the definition, reporting and handling of child abuse cases. (BB)

Discusses incidents of violence in communities and describes the relationship between poverty, media violence, easy access to handguns, violence at home and on the streets, and neglect and abuse of children. Advocates living nonviolently and viewing the prevention of violence as a multifaceted task. (DR)

Discusses the reasons why children are involved in court proceedings and the effects of the experience on their well-being, especially for children who are victims or witnesses to criminal activity, violence, and abuse. Drop-in child day care is discussed as a possible program model to support families and counteract the risks to children. (MDM)

Media attention and public concern focused on child sexual abuse in day care have presented early childhood educators with opportunities to educate parents, the public, and the media about child sexual abuse and quality child care. This paper provides information concerning the sexual abuse of children in day care settings. Topics addressed…

If the supply of day care is ever to keep pace with the rapidly rising demand, it is essential that there be a favorable climate for its growth. At present there is not, and the regulatory obstacle course laid out by state and local officials is in large part why. State barriers to the provision of day care involve licensing and registration and…

The article reviews state child care licensing legislation in light of reported child abuse and neglect in some such facilities. Recommended are licensing of all facilities of any size or religious affiliation, criminal record screening, at least annual inspections, unannounced inspections, and required notice to parents when abuse has been…

Amendments to many child abuse laws mandate the reporting by staff members of suspected abuse or neglect in out-of-home settings. This article discusses legal protections and potential liabilities for filing or failing to file such complaints. (Author/NH)

Examines the results of a two-year nationwide study of actual sexual abuse incidents occurring in a child care center or family day care home. Study sheds light on issue of comparative risk of abuse in a child's own home versus in a child care placement. Offers some good recommendations for reducing the opportunity for sexual abuse within a…

Addressed especially to community pediatricians, but also useful to other health workers, this manual discusses aspects of day care that require a physician's attention. Chapter I historically traces the positive effect of a nurturing environment upon the development of the infant and child, covering the period from the early 1900s to the present.…

Provides a brief summary of the responsibilities of teachers, child care workers, and other school personnel in the prevention, identification, and reporting of child abuse and neglect. (BB)

This report discusses the impact of federal budget cuts, program restructuring, and rescissions in programs crucial to child survival. It summarizes the changes voted in by House committees, including changes in school meal programs; combining the Child and Adult Care Food Program with the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program; removing…

These proceedings summarize the important ideas discussed in various workshops of a Delaware forum on the changing nature of the American family. The contents include an opening statement by the Governor of Delaware; a transcript of a panel discussion of lobbying and obtaining grants and other types of funding; a brief address from a…