The statement's principle medical research recommendations address the need for a longitudinal study of the healing of anogenital injuries and for the expansion and refinement of the understanding of normal anogenital anatomy. Four areas for additional medical research are described: uniform terminology, patient triage, sexually transmitted…

Although some therapists may be uncomfortable with retaliatory feelings toward child molesters and sex offenders, in the law enforcement field it is considered a normal, healthy, and sane reaction. And although empathy may be necessary to treat the offender, professional feelings can and should be separated from personal ones. (JPS)

Guidelines are offered for child protection workers who are appearing in court as expert witnesses. Guidelines include be objective, be accurate, stick to the area of expertise, don't get manipulated by lawyers, don't be greedy, and maintain one's expert witness work as a minor part of one's professional activities. (JDD)

Discusses major issues to be addressed during the debate on the proposed new international labor standards on child labor. The subject of the standards is extreme forms of child labor: work that is likely to jeopardize the health, safety, and morals of children; slavery; and child prostitution and pornography. (JOW)

Study analyzed interviews to identify children's terminology of private body parts and sexual abuse activity. "Touching" was the most frequently used term in describing sexual parts and/or sexual abuse. Children's choice of words can imply various meanings; the interview should clarify the meaning of slang terms. Recommends interviewers use "what"…

Responds to a commentary regarding recovered memories of sexual abuse. Claims that the nature of recovered memory makes it extremely difficult to devise meaningful studies that address these concerns. Examines the client base, the personal history of child abuse, the professionalism of the therapist, and the content of client memories. (RJM)

Teachers must be knowledgeable about their responsibility for reporting child abuse and neglect. Schools and districts need policies and procedures and should provide support for teachers in the reporting process. (SK)

In this article, the author discusses the military recruiting in high schools that has been a mainstay of the so-called all-volunteer armed forces from the start. High school kids are at an age when being a member of an identifiable group with a grand mission and a shared spirit--and never underestimate a distinctive uniform--is of exaggerated…

Child abuse reporting statutes in all United States jurisdictions impose obligations on psychologists. Requiring psychologists to report known or suspected abuse may interfere with psychotherapy and discourage abusers from seeking therapy. Although the child abuse reporting statutes vary considerably, state statutes share common features. There…

The author considers the relationship between uncontrollable infant crying and child abuse. An integrative scheme is offered from evidence of child abuse literature, experimentally induced infant crying effects, attribution theory, and learned helplessness. It is suggested that infant crying often has causes beyond caregiver control, such as birth…

Students who learn how children lived in other eras may be less pessimistic about the present and the future. (Author)

The author reviews research on early deprivation and neglect and recounts his own experience with children whose dwarfism is attributed to abuse or neglect. The existence of specific learning disability and diminished IQ in many of these children is cited. The author suggests further attention to the problem. (CL)

Presents a framework for preventive action on federal, state and local levels. Obstacles to the provision of preventive services are indicated and lines of action in the areas of policy, legislation, and program capacity building are recommended. (Author/RH)

A response to Mayo and Isralowitz's critique of the juvenile justice system, this delineates the nature and intent of proposed changes in the juvenile court system. (CM)

Reviews the literature on the child welfare system, child maltreatment, interventions for child maltreatment, and family preservation programs. Concludes that the current goal of intensive family preservation services, reducing the number of children in out-of-home placement, should be abandoned. Proposes a new role, new goals, and a new target…