Finds an absence of adverse effects in a questionnaire survey of 233 parents of very young children in a school-based sexual abuse program. Notes that findings should help ameliorate fears about teaching young children about the possibility and prevention of abuse. (SAK)

This paper examines the nature of the child's disclosure of sexual abuse and assesses the impact of developmental variables on that disclosure. When those variables are recognized, the credibilty of the young child as a witness in court increases. The paper focuses on children between the ages of two and seven. (Author/BN)

Offers comprehensive guidelines on interviewing young children (five years of age and under) about alleged sexual abuse incidents using anatomical dolls in the interviewing process, and also highlights current legal issues on the use of these dolls in sexual abuse investigations. (BB)

A rationale, specific content, and teaching methodologies are suggested for the integration of sexuality content in the preparation of child welfare workers concerned with the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child sexual abuse. (SAK)

Total of 103 cases of child sexual abuse in which offenders confessed to some level of abuse were examined for purpose of determining extent to which children's statements contained three widely accepted clinical criteria of a true sexual abuse allegation. Criteria were information about context of the sexual abuse, description or demonstration of…

Describes an effective program for teaching children about the dangers of sexual abuse and abduction. The program does not introduce negative stories, examples, and other warnings that tend to create anxieties in children. Reports a study evaluating the program's effectiveness. (SKC)

Examines the basic tenets of a l983 Texas law permitting videotaped interviews of child victims of abuse to be admissible in civil and criminal proceedings. Discusses how the law is being implemented and how it protects legal rights of child victims, alleged perpetrators, and society at large. (Author/NH)

Children of three to five years who had not been sexually abused were exposed to anatomical dolls. The three- to four-year-old age group showed an increased awareness of sexual body parts, while the older group did not. These findings are considered to be useful for professionals who wish to obtain parental approval for similar studies. (DG)

This study examines the characteristics of Texas youth designated as "most difficult to place" recipients of service under the "Exceptional Care Pilot Project" (N = 46). Findings include, among others, high levels of comorbid psychiatric disturbance (greater than 3 diagnostic groupings), physical (78.3%) and sexual (88%)…

Despite continuing improvements in risk assessment for child protective services (CPS) and movement toward actuarial prediction of child maltreatment, current models have not adequately addressed child sexual abuse. Sexual abuse cases present unique and ambiguous indicators to the investigating professional, and risk factors differ from those…

Distills the essence of Freud's thinking about incest, placing it within the context of childhood sexuality. Discusses clinical and research implications concerning the relationship between sexual trauma and emotional disturbances. Raises questions requiring further investigation. (NH)

Discusses the liberalization of rules of evidence in child sexual abuse cases in order to protect the child victims and benefit families. Some states have enacted legislation simplifying introduction of the child's out-of-court statements, although constitutionality has yet to be tested. (Author/NH)

Focuses on the use of children's literature in the treatment of child abuse, a method referred to as bibliotherapy. Describes children's books that can be used in this approach and presents suggestions for follow-up activities. (NH)

Rates of substantiated maltreatment documented by the 1993 and 1998 Ontario Incidence Studies of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect doubled between 1993 and 1998. Although increasing public awareness and changes in investigation procedures appear to account for part of this change, the increase also reflects a significant shift in the types of…

Reports on a three-year interagency collaborative effort between clinicians and state children's services workers who treat child victims of sexual abuse. Discusses client characteristics, treatment provided, and expectations of state social workers and treatment workers. (NH)