States that children in out-of-home care are often subjected to physical and sexual abuse and to abuse by the child welfare system in general. Calls for systematic collection and investigation of reports about abuse of children in out-of-home care. (Author/GC)

Although status offenders (young people defined as incorrigible, runaways, or truants) have often been abused previously, their placement in hospital psychiatric wards constitutes further abuse. Insecure, insufficiently trained hospital staffers are one of the major problems that perpetuates the cycle of provocation and punishment in…

Points out that while child abuse has only recently become an approachable topic in contemporary media, the mistreatment of children has long been a part of folk literature. (HOD)

Recent litigation of child abuse cases indicates that two contradictory policies compete for court approval. One policy would reduce the amount of intervention into abusive families on grounds of privacy. The other seeks to maintain and expand channels of investigation and treatment. Journal Availability: American Academy of Pediatrics, P.O. 1304,…

This editorial contemplates some of the implications of the possibility that child abuse and neglect might be a genetic disorder by describing a 1996 study (Brown, et al.) that seemed to identify a nurturing gene in mice and described the symptoms of its absence. Parallels between mouse and human displays of non-nurturing behavior are discussed.…

This article is an introduction to a special section on Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP) as a form of child maltreatment. In MSBP the perpetrator has deliberately induced, fabricated, or exaggerated a physical and/or psychological-behavioral-mental health problem in another. The article stresses the importance of obtaining an MSBP finding of…

This editorial introduces two articles on Munchausen by Proxy syndrome (the induction of an appearance or state of physical ill health in a child, by the caretaker, and the child's subsequent presentation to health professionals for diagnosis and/or treatment). The severity of the caretaker's psychological disturbance and the serious effects on…

Seven functional uses of anatomical dolls in sexual abuse evaluations of young children are identified: comforter, icebreaker, anatomical model, demonstration aid, memory stimulus, diagnostic screen, and diagnostic test. The relevancy of criticisms is shown to vary greatly by doll use. The continued, informed use of anatomical dolls in sexual…

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)

Examines the issue of role confusion for medical professionals who must deal with both parent and child in cases of incest. Pediatricians generally act as child advocates and tend to believe the child's story if there is conflicting information, yet are expected to render a neutral expert opinion. Family physicians may become enmeshed in denial…

Comments on the negative reactions expressed in a previous article concerning reactions to sex offenders. Control, not comprehension, of the offender's behavior is the primary purpose of treatment. Sadistic and retaliatory fantasies by the therapist may indicate the need for further training. (JPS)

This article reviews underlying sources of conflict that impair interorganization functioning in delivering services to children who have been sexually abused. The paper outlines dysfunctional techniques used to manage such conflict and develops a model for conflict management which involves problem characterization, acknowledgment of relevant…

This discussion of punishment in child rearing examines the Bible proverb, defines punishment, and identifies criteria necessary for effective punishment. It also considers negative effects of punishment and cultures where corporal punishment has been banned. Alternatives to punishment are discussed, and an alternative form of the proverb is…