By now, most social workers are familiar with the issue of human trafficking. However, many are likely unfamiliar with research indicating that youths constitute the most vulnerable group in the United States for becoming victims of sex trafficking and that most women in prostitution actually entered as minors. Some experts are now referring to…

This study explored decision making by child protection social workers in the province of British Columbia, Canada. A factorial survey method was used in which case vignettes were constructed by randomly assigning a number of key characteristics associated with decision making in child protection. Child protection social workers (n = 118) assessed…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an 11-session, spiritually focused group intervention with older women survivors (age 55 years and older) of interpersonal trauma (child abuse, sexual assault, or domestic violence) in reducing trauma-related depressive symptoms, posttraumatic stress, and anxiety. Forty-three community-dwelling women…

The trafficking of young women and children for prostitution and other forms of sexual exploitation is one of the most significant human rights abuses in contemporary society. In keeping with the social work profession's commitment to social justice, this article examines the issue of sexual trafficking in the United States. The transnational…

This article describes the experiences and perspectives of child welfare workers and maltreated children living in Japanese state care. Japanese adults emphasize supporting children's emotional well-being and empowerment through developmentally and ecologically focused socialization strategies. One developmental goal articulated by caregivers of…

The education, recruitment, training, and retention of a quality child welfare workforce is critical to the successful implementation of public policy and programs for the nation's most vulnerable children. Yet, national information about child welfare workers has never been collected. The National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being is a…

The purpose of this secondary data analysis was to explore the mediating influence of internalizing behavior on the link between child maltreatment and externalizing behavior (for example, rule-breaking behavior and aggressive behavior) among children. Using a longitudinal comparison group design and a sample of 300 youths (56 percent maltreated),…

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.)

Compared families referred to county child welfare agency for child neglect who were known to agency for 3+ years (chronic group); recently referred and substantiated (newly neglecting group); and referred but not substantiated (unconfirmed group). Found significant differences among groups in family size/composition, numbers/kinds of problems,…

Analyzed 20 appellate court decisions in which testimony of social workers was challenged on appeal. Examined judicial patterns of acceptance and rejection for qualifications and substantive testimony. Findings suggest several general guidelines for social workers who testify as expert witnesses in child sexual abuse cases. (Author/NB)

Describes Munchausen syndrome by proxy, diagnosis used to describe variation of child abuse whereby parent or adult caregiver fabricates medical history or induces symptoms in child, or both, resulting in unnecessary examinations, treatments, hospitalizations, and even death. Reviews assessment procedures, provides case studies, and describes…

Notes that several recent court decisions have questioned reliability and validity of anatomical dolls as assessment and evidentiary tool. Reviews literature on the use of anatomical dolls and highlights issues concerning their diagnostic and forensic efficacy. Identifies and discusses implications of the use of these dolls for social work…

Social workers are increasingly being called on to assist survivors of childhood abuse, domestic violence, violent crime, disasters, and war and terrorism. It has become increasingly apparent that the psychological effects of traumatic events extend beyond those directly affected. Secondary traumatic stress (STS) is becoming viewed as an…

Notes that societal efforts to protect endangered children have resulted in increased responsibilities for social workers to identify, report, and provide testimony in suspected cases of abuse and neglect. Provides information to increase social workers' knowledge of legal requisites and system realities in child protection to help them make…

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)