Purpose: Children exposed to adversity (e.g., chronic poverty, traumatic events, and maltreatment) are at increased risk for performing below age expectations on norm-referenced language assessments, but it is unknown whether the risk is higher for specific language impairment (SLI). This exploratory study investigated whether adversity exposure…

Consumption of news media can influence attitudes toward specific groups, but the influence of news media on longitudinal data collection has not yet been researched. We present a method to index media attention on a specific topic, as well as a case study on a big child sexual abuse (CSA) story and its effect on parents' attitudes toward male…

While only a minority of children who have been abused or neglected engage in delinquent behavior, they are at a significantly higher risk. When youth do become involved in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, they present unique needs that require collaboration between the numerous systems and people involved in their lives. The…

Objective: This study examined the convergent and discriminant validity of two trauma symptom measures, the "Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children" (TSCC) [Briere, J. (1996). Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC). Odessa, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources] and the "Trauma Symptom Checklist for Young Children" (TSCYC) [Briere, J.…

Objective: To identify child characteristics, factors related to the therapy referral, and caregivers' psychological and social variables that predict sexually abused children's beginning therapy following a therapy referral. Method: Investigators abstracted data from case records of 101 families whose children were referred to a Children's…

This study undertook to identify the characteristics of caretakers who commit child sexual abuse. Among 2,372 cases of founded sexual abuse in Iowa, biologically unrelated caretakers were substantially overrepresented, and male perpetrators greatly outnumbered female perpetrators. Implications for practice are discussed. (Author/TE)

A veteran child therapist reflects on the distressing problem of adults who sexually violate children and youth in their care. Discusses changes in society that may be the cause of increased child sexual abuse. Offers three "truths" concerning child sexual abuse. Presents the account of an abuser and discusses what happens when an abuser is…

In his opening statement at this hearing, committee chairman Senator Joseph Biden mentioned the National Child Protection Act of 1991; praised Oprah Winfrey's efforts to support programs and legislation to prevent sexual abuse of children; presented data on the incidence of sexual abuse of children in the home and in day care centers; and…

Describes powerful cultural ideologies which inform reactions to instances of sexual abuse at childcare facilities. Subtle and persistent beliefs and assumptions about mothering, families, children, and sex influence social, political, and legal reaction to this problem. These beliefs can distort our vision of reality and possibility. (Author/LHW)

Intended to help professionals protect hearing impaired children from abuse and neglect, this bibliography lists 78 resources published between 1966 and 1985 in the following areas: general information, sexual abuse, institutional abuse, legal responsibilities, profiles of abusers and potential abusers, hiring and training of personnel, and…

This guidebook provides specific information about child abuse to recreational staff, camp staff, childcare workers, and others who provide programs and services for minors. Part I describes the prevalence and causes of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect; outlines physical and behavioral indicators that can alert staff…

Describes the challenge for teachers in effectively and sensitively balancing the physical nurturance of children with the public's concern with the sexual abuse of young children. Public perceptions of child care, parent and professional concerns, and the implications for child development. (AS)

Sixty child care workers in a British residential assessment program for male adolescents with possible behavior disorders rated vignettes describing either physical or sexual assault. Sexual assaults were perceived to be more serious than physical assaults and their perpetrators more dangerous. Female care workers perceived a greater difference…

Draws attention to the prevalence of child abuse in homes, and discusses the extent of the problem--its definition and its physical, behavioral, and environmental indicators. Discusses the child care worker's role in knowing how to report the crime, teaching a child how to prevent it, and combating it by being informed and aware personnel. (BAC)

This study examined the knowledgeability of child care workers (n=97) regarding their rights and responsibilities in reporting suspected child sexual abuse. Day care personnel knew significantly less about procedures for reporting suspected abuse and their protection under the law (when compared to child sexual abuse experts). (Author/DB)