NCJ Number
176207
Journal
Journal of Sexual Aggression Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: 1997-98 Pages: 101-118
Date Published
1998
Length
18 pages
Annotation
A mailed questionnaire with 17 questions gathered information from child protection professionals in England regarding their satisfaction with policies and procedures related to addressing issues related to juveniles who commit child sexual abuse, the access of these professionals to further training opportunities, and other topics.
Abstract
The survey was conducted between September 1995 and February 1996. It collected information from 101 forensic psychologists, therapeutic and residential staff, other psychologists, physicians, police, social service personnel, juvenile justice personnel, and others. The questionnaire included 2 lists of 10 vignettes involving children or adolescents in possibly abusive situation. Participants showed general agreement about extremes of rank ordering of the vignettes in terms of seriousness, but great variation on some of the vignettes. A majority of participants expressed concern about their lack of clarity about normal and abnormal sexual behavior at different stages of development. Participants raised numerous other concerns as well. Findings suggested the need for several changes to equip staff for working with young sexual abusers. Tables, figure, appended sample vignettes and legal information, and 10 references