Little is known about the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adult alumni of foster care and its demographic and contextual correlates. This is one of the first studies to report on racial/ethnic and gender differences and the influence of foster care experiences (i.e., revictimization during foster care, placement change rate,…

This study assessed the utility of the Child Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI) in a child welfare sample. In this study, 97 children from ages 10 to 12 from either foster boarding homes or a residential treatment center participated. Researchers interviewed foster parents or primary therapists about children's sexual behavior, traumatic events,…

Finds an absence of adverse effects in a questionnaire survey of 233 parents of very young children in a school-based sexual abuse program. Notes that findings should help ameliorate fears about teaching young children about the possibility and prevention of abuse. (SAK)

This paper examines the nature of the child's disclosure of sexual abuse and assesses the impact of developmental variables on that disclosure. When those variables are recognized, the credibilty of the young child as a witness in court increases. The paper focuses on children between the ages of two and seven. (Author/BN)

Summarizes a two-year study of juvenile sexual offenders in Washington. Evaluates both community- and institution-based treatment programs. Offers a demographic profile of the typical juvenile sexual offender and the recidivism data from a mean 20-month follow-up period. Surprisingly few variables were found to have a significant relationship to…

Examines systemic underpinnings of sibling incest and its relationship to internal and external factors of offending behavior. Describes treatment in context of offenders' families, underscoring poor boundaries, impact on the victim, and necessity of hierarchical reconstruction; argues formulation of a safety plan to prevent future offenses is…

This study aimed to determine what youth characteristics were associated with emotional and behavioral problems exhibited within the first three months of placement in residential treatment centers (RTCs) in a sample of youth from 20 agencies in 13 states. Two primary research questions were addressed: 1) What characteristics were associated with…

Offers comprehensive guidelines on interviewing young children (five years of age and under) about alleged sexual abuse incidents using anatomical dolls in the interviewing process, and also highlights current legal issues on the use of these dolls in sexual abuse investigations. (BB)

A rationale, specific content, and teaching methodologies are suggested for the integration of sexuality content in the preparation of child welfare workers concerned with the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child sexual abuse. (SAK)

Total of 103 cases of child sexual abuse in which offenders confessed to some level of abuse were examined for purpose of determining extent to which children's statements contained three widely accepted clinical criteria of a true sexual abuse allegation. Criteria were information about context of the sexual abuse, description or demonstration of…

Describes an effective program for teaching children about the dangers of sexual abuse and abduction. The program does not introduce negative stories, examples, and other warnings that tend to create anxieties in children. Reports a study evaluating the program's effectiveness. (SKC)

Examines the basic tenets of a l983 Texas law permitting videotaped interviews of child victims of abuse to be admissible in civil and criminal proceedings. Discusses how the law is being implemented and how it protects legal rights of child victims, alleged perpetrators, and society at large. (Author/NH)

Children of three to five years who had not been sexually abused were exposed to anatomical dolls. The three- to four-year-old age group showed an increased awareness of sexual body parts, while the older group did not. These findings are considered to be useful for professionals who wish to obtain parental approval for similar studies. (DG)

This study examines the characteristics of Texas youth designated as "most difficult to place" recipients of service under the "Exceptional Care Pilot Project" (N = 46). Findings include, among others, high levels of comorbid psychiatric disturbance (greater than 3 diagnostic groupings), physical (78.3%) and sexual (88%)…

Despite continuing improvements in risk assessment for child protective services (CPS) and movement toward actuarial prediction of child maltreatment, current models have not adequately addressed child sexual abuse. Sexual abuse cases present unique and ambiguous indicators to the investigating professional, and risk factors differ from those…