New Techniques for Assessment and Evaluation of Child Sexual Abuse Victims: Using Anatomically 'Correct' Dolls and Videotape Precedures (From Handbook on Sexual Abuse of Children: Assessment and Treatment Issues, P 175-197, 1988, Lenore E A Walker, ed. -- See NCJ-113856)

• NCJ Number: 113861
• Author(s): L E A Walker
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 23 pages
• Sale Source: Springer Publishing Co
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter discusses the use of child sexual abuse evaluation techniques to assess the child's cognitive, affective, and behavioral strengths and weaknesses.

Abstract

It is important for judges, prosecutors, and lawyers involved in child sexual abuse cases to have a psychological assessment of the child's developmental status and to know if the child is functioning at the expected level for his or her age. Mental health professionals can provide this kind of assessment as well as information obtained from videotaped interviews and from observing the child in play with anatomically correct dolls. The chapter contains detailed guidance for the mental health professional in interview procedures with young children, the use of interviews with other family members to develop a family and social history of the child, and the assessment of physical evidence and the child's credibility. A proper and thorough evaluation of the child is important for legal as well as therapeutic purposes. 17 references.