The report analyzes the scope of child sexual abuse and reviews treatment approaches to the problem. A tentative definition of child sexual abuse is offered, and incidence figures are examined. Family dynamics surrounding incest are described, as are effects on children and families. Characteristics of successful treatment and prevention…

Results of a West Virginia survey of sexual abuse of children challenge popular myths about child molestation. The danger of trauma caused by medical treatment is pointed out, intervention guidelines are provided, and social indicators of acute and chronic molestation are listed. (Author/RH)

This booklet presents a summary of state child protection statutes that have been enacted, amended or revised through the 1978 legislative session. Reporting statutes of each of the 50 states were analyzed and 13 elements of the child abuse reporting process were identified and discussed: (1) what elements of child abuse must be reported, (2) who…

Identified six victim groups that the news media and literature suggest may have experienced some losses resulting from recent public awareness of sexual abuse, amongst which individuals may require the assistance of a social worker. Included are the wrongly accused, "lesser" child abusers; those in specific job types; emotionally needful people;…

Discusses legal and developmental aspects of adolescent abuse, as distinguished from child abuse. The role of the school counselor in identifying and counseling abused adolescents and their families is discussed and several forms of intervention and support services are described. (JAC)

Describes experiences of children and adolescents in South Africa who have been subjected to the violence of the apartheid state. Discusses detention of children and torture and assault of detained children. Against this backdrop, explores the effects of violence on children, psychological trauma, counseling interventions, and applications of…

Describes how intervention for families with abused or neglected adolescents usually focuses on the troubled youth with the abuse or neglect either overlooked or ignored. Argues that a developmental perspective is essential to the understanding and assessment of the family dynamics of adolescent mistreatment, and presents case examples. Offers…

Allowing immediate alleviation of abuse when only one adult family member is in contact with the assisting agency, this model provides for restructuring the parenting style to increase the probabilities of permanent change. (Author)

Applies structural family systems perspective to clinical intervention in violent families. Describes structural family therapy techniques which were used with a multi-problem family whose symptoms included family violence. Discusses cooperation needed among researchers, therapists, and therapy trainers who would use a systems approach to analyze…

This report explains the roles and responsibilities of schools in dealing with child abuse. The introduction lists child abuse facts and figures, defines child abuse and neglect, provides a rationale for the involvement of educators in treatment and prevention efforts, and considers ethical issues. Chapter 1, which concentrates on keeping abusers…

Discusses the legal, professional, and ethical duties of teachers who suspect the maltreatment or neglect of children. Presents statistical evidence that indicates that teachers are not fulfilling their duties with respect to detecting and reporting suspected abuse. Considers the implications for educational policy as it affects teachers. (JS)

Casa de Esperanza, Incorporated, is a program which provides residential care to severely disturbed children, ages birth to 6 years. The philosophy of the program is to provide care to the disturbed child and counseling to the parents so that the child may return to the parental home once the crisis is past. The children are cared for in shelter…

The American Psychological Association (APA) Task Force on Violence and the Family was convened to bring psychological research and clinical experience to bear on the problem of family violence and to make recommendations for solutions. This report of the Task Force highlights the need for a systematic, multi-faceted, multidisciplinary, and…

A pilot project was conducted to determine effective strategies for enhancing the self-esteem of "at-risk" students. The project involved middle school students (N=12) from a wide variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and ability levels. The students were determined to be "at-risk" for learning because of depression, child abuse, sexual activity,…

Discusses the role of school principals and school boards in developing policies in the following areas in order to inform faculty members of their duty to report suspected cases of abuse: (1) child-abuse reporting procedures; (2) educational and training programs; and (3) community linkage mechanisms. (JS)