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)

The effectiveness of a six-hour teacher training workshop on child sexual abuse prevention was evaluated. Findings indicated that trained teachers demonstrated significant increases in knowledge about child sexual abuse and pro-intervention opinions. Trained teachers were better able to identify behavioral indicators of abuse and suggest…

This study assessed children's original perceptions of sexual abuse risk, perceptions of risk after participation in a sexual abuse prevention program, and age differences in children's beliefs about risk. Findings indicate that children's already high perceptions of sexual abuse risk increased after participation in the prevention program.…

A framework for understanding child maltreatment in terms of complex and interacting factors from the individual to the societal level can aid in conceptualizing and implementing prevention efforts. Research can indicate the roles that each individual, agency, organization, community, and level of government can play in improving the welfare of…

Examines problems related to child sexual abuse assessment and intervention methods, especially in instances of intrafamilial offenses. Discusses the benefits of alternative strategies in use today, and the adaptations that child welfare workers, social workers, and other professionals have made to enhance intervention effectiveness. Suggests that…

Discusses a treatment intervention program for young, sexually abused boys. Treatment included group, individual, and family therapy, and parent training. Clinical and statistically significant improvement were noted in many areas, including overall behavior problems and sexual behavior problems. Therapy outcome was related to numerous family and…

Reviews three areas of psychotherapy process research: therapist behaviors, client behaviors, and therapist-client interaction. Examines how each of these variables affects the process of treatment and how they are likely to affect treatment outcomes. Implications for research with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse are examined. (JPS)

Abuse is an environmental factor influencing some children's emergent metacognitive processes and perceptions. Because abused children most often remain in regular classrooms, they rely on teachers' ability to apply interventions responsive to their needs. This is accomplished by combining knowledge of educational best practices with knowledge…

Police, child welfare, and community mental health personnel in a rural area in Canada completed attitudinal items related to professional response to child sexual abuse. Significant differences were found between child welfare and police regarding emphasis placed on treatment versus punishment as a primary aspect of professional intervention.…

Professionals in schools are a major source of child maltreatment reports nationally. Review of literature indicates these professionals contribute only a small amount of school-based research data to the understanding of consequences of child physical abuse and neglect or maltreatment of child victims. Presents strategic multisystems approach for…

Analysis of responses of 254 mental health workers in Kentucky to a questionnaire concerning therapeutic treatment in cases of physical child abuse found that the family was usually seen as the primary client, with the goal being provision of a safe environment for the child. Abused children received only 7 of the 23 sessions generally provided in…

Reports on the results of a study of 119 youth at the Hillsborough County, Florida, Juvenile Assessment Center involving community-based intervention. Results indicate that males were more involved in delinquent activities, whereas females came from troubled family backgrounds. Presents conclusions regarding the health service implications of…

This study documented the evaluation of a 9-week group intervention program designed to address the needs of both abused mothers and their children who have witnessed violence. The intervention was designed to increase parenting skills, address the needs of both parents and children regarding increasing coping abilities and safety planning skills,…

There has been a growing recognition of the need to provide appropriate intervention services to fathers who have been abusive in their families. This paper highlights four specific treatment goals for fathers who maltreat their children, along with therapeutic strategies necessary to accomplish desired outcomes. These goals were developed as part…

Emotional maltreatment tends to be overshadowed in research and in practice by other forms of maltreatment that present more obvious and explicit evidence and appear to require a more urgent response. This article aims to explore a growing body of research pointing to: (a) ways in which emotional maltreatment may adversely impact upon a child's…