NCJ Number
162243
Journal
Future of Children Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer-Fall 1994) Pages: 135- 156
Date Published
1994
Length
22 pages
Annotation
The reporting and investigating of child sexual abuse cases are examined, with emphasis on potential improvements in procedures and the need to maintain a commitment to fairness and due process while protecting children.
Abstract
Much is at stake for both the alleged perpetrator and the child victim; therefore, the system must maintain a balance to protect the rights of both. The underreporting of suspicions of child abuse and the overreporting of cases that are unfounded or cannot be substantiated are both problems. Measures to make reporting more accurate would include the clarification of reporting the laws, expansion and improvement of training for reporters, the development of agency policies regarding reporting, the modification of liability and immunity rules, improved efforts at screening reports, and feedback to reporters. Interviews of children require careful handling, with emphasis on appropriate interpretation of physical and behavioral signs of abuse and accurate recordkeeping. Photograph, table, checklists, and 58 references