Current child sexual abuse prevention programs assume that, by targeting potential victims, they can reduce the prevalence of child sexual abuse. This article presents findings that suggest this assumption is flawed. Suggests instead that potential offenders are more appropriate targets of prevention programs. (Contains 39 references.)

Reviews research on attempts to screen parents to identify those who are at risk of maltreating their children. Concludes that although accurate identification of such parents may eventually be possible, more research is needed to establish identifying criteria and to determine effective means of intervention to prevent abuse. (NRB)

Outlines a theoretical and conceptual framework for neighborhood-based collaboration by nonprofit organizations. Analyzes the main concepts of innovation in the design and implementation of a collaboration to prevent child maltreatment in an undervalued neighborhood and draws implications for social policy, social work practice, and social work…

Reports on an interorganizational collaboration in which a community-based service network of family support programs to help prevent child abuse and neglect was implemented. Presents a theoretical framework for understanding community-based networks and interorganizational collaboration and describes and analyzes how collaboration was used to…

Examines social isolation and the use of informal helping networks of families (N=130) at risk for child abuse or neglect. Preventive service workers' (N=13) responses to a natural helper survey revealed that friends, relatives, and neighbors are potential helpers for such families and are effective in resolving problems they address. (NRB)