NCJ Number
94234
Date Published
1983
Length
86 pages
Annotation
This handbook for administrators and staff of residential child care facilities details the dimensions of sexual abuse of children, the preventive and protective measures needed for residential facilities, and care for children who have been sexually abused.
Abstract
Children who have been sexually abused may exhibit results of that abuse in their feelings about themselves, in their current behavior, and in their interpretation of the meaning of the behavior of the staff or other residents. They need special planning by staff, including special counseling or treatment to eradicate or minimize long-term effects of sexual abuse. Because children in residential facilities may be sexually abused during home visits or preplacement or preadoption visits, staff must be alert to cues, knowledgeable about how to approach the situation, and ready to believe the child. Guidelines cover interviews, employment screening, staff training, supervision of residents, and ways of handling the emotional needs of both staff and children. A bibliography listing 12 references, a list of audiovisual training aids, and protocols for investigating institutional abuse and neglect allegations are provided.