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…

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…

Discusses conceptual obstacles to working effectively with cases of sexual abuse of children. Urges professionals to view sexual abuse in a larger context in which cultural values, social and political ideals, and economic conditions are seen as linked to the problem. (Author/LLL)

Explores child sexual exploitation by outlining the issue and its effects, providing case examples, with the aim of further involving social workers in ameliorating the conditions experienced by this victimized population. (Author/KS)

Discusses identifying children infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through sexual abuse. Reviews testing guidelines. Sees social workers contributing to test decision making when perinatal HIV transmissions is possibility, when assailant may be tested, and when parents/legal guardians insist on testing child. Discusses family…