How To Overcome Barriers and To Develop Creative and Innovative Approaches in Prosecution of Child Sexual Abuse Cases (From Papers From A National Conference on Legal Reforms in Child Sexual Abuse Cases, March 1985, Josephine Bulkley, ed. -- See NCJ-107173)

• NCJ Number: 107174
• Author(s): L S Boerma
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 9 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: For microfiche, see NCJ-107173.

Annotation

This paper recommends a cooperative multidisciplinary team approach for law enforcement and medical-social service professionals who work with child sexual abuse cases in order to eliminate barriers to prosecution of child sexual abuse offenders and minimize trauma to children.

Abstract

In jurisdictions where the interagency approach is already used, more cases are approved for prosecution and more child sexual abuse offenders are convicted. Police, prosecutors, medical and social service professionals, and child protective service workers in both large and small communities must develop a team approach to working with child sexual abuse cases. In large communities, special child sexual abuse units should be set up in police departments, prosecutors' offices, and child protective service agencies, and certain hospitals should be designated child sexual assault centers. Standardized medical examinations and social service protocols to ensure proper reporting and evidence collection are advocated. In small communities, each agency should designate an individual to handle all child sexual abuse cases and act as a liaison with other agencies. The multidisciplinary team should meet regularly to review cases and make recommendations for improved handling of child sexual abuse cases. Other recommendations include keeping the family apprised of the case's status to ensure cooperation and minimize trauma: training for police, prosecutors, and judges about child development and the dynamics of child sexual abuse; cooperative joint interviews of children with police and child protective services representatives present to reduce the number of interviews necessary; and establishment of State task forces to review legislation regarding prosecution of child sexual abuse cases.