This report is a compendium of indicators about our Nation's young people. The report, the 20th produced by the Forum, presents 41 key indicators on important aspects of children's lives. These indicators are drawn from the most reliable Federal statistics, are easily understood by broad audiences, are objectively based on substantial research,…

Reviewed the records of 1,885 children under age 18 who were evaluated for sexual abuse. Results indicate that the child's gender, age, ethnicity, relationship to the perpetrator, and the duration of the abuse were associated with reports of penetration. Assaults by strangers or long-term abuse, tended to result in penetration. (RJM)

Criticizes the laws and enforcement personnel involved in child abuse cases pointing out problems encountered by those falsely accused of child abuse. (MD)

Presents and critiques descriptive and demographic data, theories of etiology, and effects of sexual abuse on the child's development. A two-level framework is presented that delineates seven role functions which will promote an effective response on the part of school psychologists. (Author/KS)

Reviews literature regarding the sexual abuse of boys. Although boys may be equally at risk for sexual victimization as girls, they are a unique clinical group whose needs have not been addressed significantly. Awareness and prevention components in community education and media can raise public awarness. (JAC)

Reviews relevant literature to assist counselors in conducting quality clinical assessments of child victims and adult survivors of child maltreatment. Discusses guidelines, such as knowledge of abuse literature, the assessment process, ecological approaches, and standard quality assessment principles. Outlines standardized self-report measures…

Examines whether social system interventions can produce or reinforce sexual abuse trauma. Results, based on 90 children from three counties, each of which used different interventions, indicate that the number of interviews and a trusting relationship with a professional significantly predicted trauma scores. Most children viewed the system in a…

The WHO Program (We Help Ourselves) was developed to help children take responsibility for their own safety and learn to handle potentially dangerous situations that may lead to abuse. This cooperaive effort by the Mental Health Association and the Houston Independent School District involves students in three age groups: grades K-3, 4-6, and…

A study investigated the extent to which child maltreatment victims (n=61,693) and perpetrators (n=39,143) were reported for different types of maltreatment over time and service variables associated with recidivism. There was substantial cross-type recidivism at both the child and perpetrator levels, with neglect being the most common recidivism…

Discussion of issues involved in sexual abuse of deaf youth in schools considers characteristics of pedophiles and hebephiles and how sexual offenders are dealt with in the criminal justice system. It suggests ways to prevent sexual abuse of children who are deaf and what to look for in identifying deaf children who are being victimized. (Contains…

Sexual abuse of children in the United States is far more pervasive than most educators realize, with studies estimating up to 500,000 annual occurrences. This revised resource and planning guide for Wisconsin schools should help districts deal with sexual abuse on school premises and suspicion of this behavior off campus. While the guide cannot…

This article examines child abuse and neglect in terms of the potential proportional threat to children with disabilities. Characteristic traits of abusers and victims, environmental and sociocultural factors, and the history of maltreatment of the disabled are discussed. Recommendations for practitioners and a list of child abuse organizations…

Ritual abuse consists of mental, physical, sexual, and psychological abuse motivated by religious reasons, out of anger and stress, or inflicted on victims for reasons unknown. Little is now being done to educate and train school counselors on ritual abuse and its signs. This paper offers a literature review of ritual abuse and the results of a…

Parents are warned about the dangers of child sexual abuse and child pornography. To recognize potential threats, parents should know their children well, take time to communicate with them, and watch for changes in personality patterns. (PP)

Interviewed child victim advocates (N=26) to evaluate the effectiveness of a child victim witness program that helps children during the criminal prosecution of their abusers. Results show that the program faced systemic challenges, but respondents were positive about its usefulness in preparing children to testify and in helping children relax.…