Title:

Title: A Study of Clerics Who Commit Sexual Offenses: Are They Different From Other Sex Offenders?

Author: Langevin, R.; Curnoe, S.; Bain, J.

Author Affiliation: Toronto Univ., ON (Canada). Dept. of Psychiatry.

Source: Child Abuse and Neglect; 24(4): pp. 535-545; Elsevier Science Ltd., New York, NY., April 2000; p. 190

Distributor: R. Langevin; 5468 Dundas St. W., Suite 402, Etobicoke

Index Terms:
sex offenders; characteristics of abuser; clergy; risk factors; psychological characteristics; child abuse research; assessment; diagnoses

Abstract:
Twenty-four male clerics accused of sexual offenses were compared to 24 male sex offender controls to determine if cleric sex offenders differed significantly from other sex offenders when assessed with standard instruments that examinethe major factors important in sexual offenses. Both groups were compared to a general sample of sex offenders matched only for offense type. The three groups were compared on sexual history and preference, substance abuse, mental illness and personality, history of crime and violence, neuropsychological impairment, and endocrine abnormalities using reliable and valid measures. The clerics in this study formed a statistically significant highly educated, older, and predominantly single subgroup of sex offenders. The majority of cleric-sex offenders suffered from a sexual disorder (70.8 percent), predominantly homosexual pedophilia, as measured by phallometric testing, but did not differ from the control group in this respect. The clerics were comparable to the other two groups in most respects, but tended to show less antisocial personality disorders and somewhat more endocrine disorders. The most noteworthy features differentiating the clerics from highly educated matched controls were that clerics had a longer delay before criminal charges were laid, or lacked criminal charges altogether, and they tended to use force more often in their offenses. In spite of differences in age, education, and occupation between cleric-sex offenders and sex offenders in general, the same procedures should be used in the assessment of this group as for the sex offender population in general. Hypotheses about reduced sexual outlet and the increased sexual abuse of clerics during childhood were not supported. Assessment and treatment of cleric-sex offenders should focus especially on sexual deviance, substance abuse, and endocrine disorders. 30 references and 3 tables. (Author abstract)

Document Number: CD-33653

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Making the Invisible Victims of Violence Against Women Visible Through University-Community Partnerships.

Author: Fantuzzo, J. W.; Mohr, W. K.; Noone, M. J.

Author Affiliation: Pennsylvania Univ., Philadelphia. Graduate School of Education.

Sponsor: Head Start Bureau (DHHS), Washington, DC.

Source: Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma; 3(1): pp. 9-23; Haworth Press, Inc., Binghamton, NY., 2000; p. 247

Internet URL: http://www.haworthpressinc.com

Distributor: Haworth Press, Inc.; 10 Alice St., Binghamton NY 13904-1580; Tel: (800) 342-9678; Fax: (800) 895-0582; E-mail: getinfo@haworthpressinc.com

Index Terms:
child witnesses of family violence; research needs; research methodology; policy formation; social problems; interagency collaboration; assessment; community intervention projects

Abstract:
The absence of scientifically credible information about the nature and extent of children exposed to abuse of their mothers is an impediment to effective intervention and prevention efforts. This article proposes a research agenda based upon guiding principles of a public health surveillance model. Three major principles are presented and applied to this social problem: the definition and identification of the problem in the community; the selection of an accurate sample to be monitored; and cooperation between service agencies and researchers. A concrete example of the application of these principles is drawn from an ongoing university-community partnership in Philadelphia. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania reviewed existing datasets and worked with the city Police Department and the Office of Early Childhood Education to identify child witness of family violence and assess need for services. Reliability checks were integrated into the system to ensure thatthe tracking system was accurate. 26 references and 3 figures. (Author abstract modified)

Document Number: CD-33818

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Families for Teens.

Author: Thomas, V.; Franz, K.

Author Affiliation: Northeast Ohio Adoption Services, Warren.

Sponsor: Children's Bureau (DHHS), Washington, DC.

Grant Number: 90CO0740

Source: Northeast Ohio Adoption Services, Warren., March 31, 2000; p. 341

Distributor: Northeast Ohio Adoption Services; 8029 E. Market St., Warren OH 44484; Tel: (216) 856-5582

Index Terms:
ohio; program models; permanency planning; adoption; adopted adolescents; post adoption services; professional training; interagency collaboration

Abstract:
The Families For Teens demonstration project was designed to place teens who are in the care of two county child welfare agencies in permanent homes. Teens identified by the agencies received special project and advocacy services to help them achieve family relationships and stability. The goals of the program were to complete a comprehensive permanency assessment for each teen participating in the project; utilize innovative models to work with teens to achieve permanence; recruit families to adopt or serve as permanency resources for teens; provide support services to newly created families; and provide cross systems training to improve permanency outcomes. The two public agencies collaborated with Northern Ohio Adoption Serviceson the program to review goals and resolve problems. An evaluation of the program revealed that permanency assessments were only completed for 60 percent of the teens and only 20 percent of the participants had Circles of Support. Approximately 60 percent of the teens received a family connection as a result of the program. The placement rate differed significantly between the two counties because one of the sites had prepared participants before the program. Barriers to the implementation of the project included reliance on sequential planning, acceptance of the teens reluctance to seek adoption, resistance of teens to recruitment activities conducted without their involvement, and geographic distances. Program managers learned that adoption planning must happen concurrently with other planning and that permanence enhances therapeutic effectiveness. Teens should be involved in recruitment activities and can advocate for themselves and others who are waiting for a permanent family.

Document Number: CD-33911

Publication Type: Final Report

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Factitious Disorder by Proxy in Which the Presenting Problem is Behavioral or Psychiatric.

Author: Schreier, H. A.

Author Affiliation: Children's Hospital, Oakland, CA.

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; 39(5): pp. 668-670; Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, Hagerstown, MD., May 2000; p. 347

Internet URL: http://services.lww.com/services

Distributor: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; P. O. Box 1600, Hagerstown MD 21741; Tel: (800) 796-0646 x2326; Fax: (973) 644-2339; E-mail: custserv@wwilkins.com

Index Terms:
munchausen disorder by proxy; behavior problems; psychiatric diagnoses; physicians role; therapists role; parents; detection; best interests of the child

Abstract:
While much of the professional discussion regarding Munchausen Disorder by Proxy has centered on the falsification of medical conditions, few have focused on psychiatric presentation of the disorder. This article examines these psychiatric presentations, noting the reports of adults who have made false accusations of sexual abuse in which the usual dynamics of Munchausen Disorder by Proxy were noted. This presents unique problems for psychiatrists and other professionals who are targeted by an adult with the disorder, most who are ill-prepared to handle the intense interpersonal dynamic involved; often the unsuspecting therapist increases therapeutic and diagnostic interventions or subtly drives the patient to seek help elsewhere. The author discusses problems particular to these psychiatric presentations, including the reliance of the report of the parent/caretaker in making a diagnosis, and the fact that discrepancies between the parent's description of the symptoms and the child's behavior are not unusual. With older children, coaching is noted as not unusual, and the author also notes that medications unsuspectingly prescribed by physicians can produce symptoms. Detection of Munchausen Disorder by Proxy can bea time-consuming process, the author says, sometimes uncovered only after tragic outcomes. The importance of diagnosis is stressed, focusing on a questioning stance, careful observation, and gathering of information from other sources familiar with the child. Approaches toward the parent must focus on the best interests of the child. Seven references.

Document Number: CD-33747

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: An Actuarial Procedure for Assessing Risk With Juvenile Sex Offenders.

Author: Prentky, R.; Harris, B.; Frizzell, K.; Righthand, S.

Author Affiliation: Justice Resource Institute, Bridgewater, MA.

Source: Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment; 13(2): pp. 71-93; Kluwer Academic-Plenum Publishers, Dordrecht (The Netherlands0., April 2000; p. 531

Internet URL: http://www.wkap.nl

Distributor: Kluwer Academic Publishers; Journals Dept.; 101 Philip Dr., Assinippi Park, Norwell MA 02061; Tel: (781) 871-6600; Fax: (781) 681-9045; E-mail: kluwer@wkap.com

Index Terms:
risk assessment; adolescent sex offenders; protocols; recidivism; measures; evaluation methods; validity; decision making

Abstract:
Assessments of juvenile sexual offenders that are intended to aid in dispositional decisions occur at a multitude of decision points within the juvenile justice system. This article describes the development and validation of an actuarial risk assessment protocol designed specifically for juvenile sex offenders. The protocol was based on a review of the etiological studies, risk assessment research with juvenile and adult sexual offenders, and juvenile delinquency studies. It includes four scales to measure sexual drive and sexual preoccupation; impulsive, antisocial behavior; clinical/treatment factors; and community adjustment. A test of the instrument conducted with a sample of 96 adolescents who had been admitted, treated, and discharged from the Joseph J. Peters Institute indicated that the majority of items had good to excellent reliability. However, the sexual drive/sexual preoccuational scale was found to be weak. Problems associated with evaluating risk in this population are identified, and deficiencies and revision requirements in the protocol are noted. 46 references and 4 tables. (Author abstract modified)

Document Number: CD-34169

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Thought Disorder Index of Finnish Adoptees and Communication Deviance of Their Adoptive

Author: Wahlberg, K. E.; Wynne, L. C.; Oja, H.; Keskitalo, P.; et al.

Author Affiliation: Oulu Univ. (Finland). Dept. of Psychiatry.

Sponsor: Public Health Service (DHHS), Washington, DC.

Grant Number: MH39663

Source: Psychological Medicine; 30(1): pp. 127-136; Cambridge Univ. Press, Oxford (United Kingdom)., January 2000; p. 750

Internet URL: http://www.cup.org

Distributor: Cambridge University Press; 110 Midland Ave., Port Chester NY 10573-4930; Tel: (800) 872-7423; (914) 937-9600; Fax: (914) 937-4712; E-mail: orders@cup.org

Index Terms:
finland; child development; adopted children; cognitive processes; schizophrenia; risk factors; adoptive parents; communication techniques Parents.

Abstract:
Data from the Finnish Adoptive Study of Schizophrenia were analyzed for this study to examine whether forms of thought disorder qualify as trait indicators of vulnerability to schizophrenia in persons who are not clinically ill, and whether these features could be linked to genetic or environmental risk or to genotype-environment interactions. Rorschach records of 56 Finnish adoptees at genetic risk but without schizophrenia-related clinical diagnoses and 95 control adoptees at low genetic risk were blindly and reliably scored for the Thought Disorder Index (TDI). Communication deviance (CD), a measure of the rearing environment, was independently obtained from the adoptive parents. The differences in total TDI between high-risk and control adoptees were not statistically significant. However, TDI subscales for Fluid Thinking and Idosyncratic Verbalization were more frequent in high-risk adoptees. When Rorschach CD of the adoptive rearing parents was introduced as a continuous predictor variable, the odds ratio for the Idiosyncratic Verbalization component of the TDI of the high-risk adoptees was significantly higher than for the control adoptees. Specific categories of subsyndromal thought disorder appear to qualify as vulnerability indicators for schizophrenia. Genetic risk and rearing-parent communication patterns significantly interact as a joint effect that differentiates adopted-away offspring of schizophrenic mothers from control adopted-away offspring. 39 references and 4 tables. (Author abstract)

Document Number: CD-34317

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: The Stability of Child Abuse Reports: A Longitudinal Study of the Reporting Behaviour of Young Adults.

Author: Fergusson, D. M.; Horwood, L. J.; Woodward, L. J.

Author Affiliation: Christchurch School of Medicine (New Zealand). Health and Development Study.

Sponsor: New Zealand Health Research Council, Aotearoa.

Source: Psychological Medicine; 30(3): pp. 529-544; Cambridge Univ. Press, Oxford (United Kingdom)., 2000; p. 752

Internet URL: http://www.cup.org

Distributor: Cambridge University Press; 110 Midland Ave., Port Chester NY 10573-4930; Tel: (800) 872-7423; (914) 937-9600; Fax: (914) 937-4712; E-mail: orders@cup.org

Index Terms:
child abuse research; disclosure; longitudinal studies; child abuse reporting; reliability; prevalence; sequelae; mental disorders

Abstract:
The aims of this study were to use longitudinal report data on physical and sexual abuse to examine the stability and consistency of abuse reports. The study was based on the birth cohort of young people studied in the Christchurch Health and Development Study. At ages 18 and 21 years, these young people were questioned about their childhood exposure to physical punishment and sexual abuse. Concurrent with these assessments, sample members were also assessed on measures of psychiatric disorder and suicidal behavior. Reports of childhood sexual abuse and physical punishment were relatively unstable and the values of kappa for test-retests of abuse reporting were in the region of .45. Inconsistencies in reporting were unrelated to the subject's psychiatric state. Latent class analyses suggested that those who were not abused did not falsely report being abused; and that those who were abused provided unreliable reports in which the probability of a false negative response was approximately 50 percent. Different approaches to classifying subjects as abused led to wide variations in the estimated prevalence of abuse but estimates of the relative risk of psychiatric adjustment problems conditional on abuse exposure remained relatively stable. These findings suggest that estimates of abuse prevalence based on a single report are likely to seriously underestimate the true prevalence of abuse, while estimates of the relative risk of psychiatric adjustment problems conditional on abuse appear to be robust to the effects of reporting errors. 49 references and 6 tables. (Author abstract)

Document Number: CD-34318

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: A Preliminary Study of a Cartoon Measure for Children's Reactions to Chronic Trauma.

Author: Praver, F.; DiGiuseppe, R.; Pelcovitz, D.; Mandel, F. S.; Gaines, R.

Author Affiliation: St. John's Univ., Jamaica, NY.

Sponsor: National Institute of Mental Health (DHHS), Rockville, MD.

Grant Number: 5P30MH43878

Source: Child Maltreatment; 5(3): pp. 273-285; Sage Publications, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA., August 2000; p. 799

Distributor: Frances Praver; 5 Marseilles Dr., Locust Valley NY 11560

Index Terms:
trauma; chronic neglect; psychometrics; data collection; data analysis; posttraumatic stress disorder; community violence; rating scales

Abstract:
Assessment of trauma-related sequelae of young children exposed to repeated, prolonged trauma has been hampered by a dearth of reliable and valid instruments. Preliminary psychometric properties of a new instrument, Angie/Andy Cartoon Trauma Scales, also known as ACTS, are presented in this article. The scale features a cartoon-based methodology, measuring trauma-related sequelae of prolonged, repeated abuse. A sample of 208 children, ages 6-12, with a median age of 8, comprised intrafamilial trauma, extrafamilial trauma, combined trauma, and non-trauma groups. ACTS demonstrated high internal consistency, with coefficient alphas from 0.7 to 0.95. The three trauma groups scored significantly higher than the non-trauma group on all scales. Generally, the most severely traumatized group scored significantly higher than the less severely traumatized groups. The number of types of violence exposures correlated with ACTS scores from 0.55 to 0.74; the frequency and severity of trauma exposure correlated with ACTS scores from 0.44 to 0.56; the ACTS parent version correlated with a standardized parent scale from 0.71 to 0.81. Parent/child agreement was significant. ACTS is recommended as a promising tool in facilitating assessment, direction, and focused treatment of traumatized children involved in situations of chronic abuse. Three tables; six figures; numerous references. (Author abstract modified.)

Document Number: CD-34191

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Substantiation and Early Decision Points in Public Child Welfare: A Conceptual Reconsideration.

Author: Drake, B.; Jonson-Reid, M.

Author Affiliation: Washington Univ., St. Louis, MO. Dept. of Social Work.

Source: Child Maltreatment; 5(3): pp. 227-235; Sage Publications, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA., August 2000; p. 805

Internet URL: http://www.sagepub.com/

Distributor: Sage Publications, Inc.; 2455 Teller Rd., Thousand Oaks CA 91320; Tel: (805) 499-9774; Fax: (805) 499-0871; E-mail: order@sagepub.com

Index Terms:
early intervention programs; child welfare system; child protective services; decision making; validity; policies; family courts

Abstract:
This article describes the concept of substantiation, a means of officially validating the occurrence of prior events in accordance with agency standards in the larger context of early decision-making in state child protective services.The authors note that substantiation has been misunderstood and misapplied by policy makers and researchers, stemming from the fact that substantiation of child welfare cases is past-oriented and reminiscent of a criminal justice system model, which causes the substantiation construct to be mismatched with public child welfare services and goals, which are future-oriented and follow a preventative model. Specific attention is given to the voluntary or involuntary nature of services, the availabilityof evidence, and the past or future orientation of the decision-making process. The conceptual consistency of recent child welfare policies is explored. Based on the review, the authors make recommendations with regard to the desirability of replacing the substantiation characterization with more practice-relevant characterizations more consistent with the nature of child welfare services. Conclusions suggest that the reliance of substantiation in child protective services overshadows the more important determination of whether a family requires services to prevent further harm to a child. Substantiation is described as a useful, preliminary step toward family court involvement, but researchers must discontinue the reliance on substantiation as a proxy for risk or severity. Two figures, 16 references. (Author abstract modified)

Document Number: CD-34200

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: The Kempe Family Stress Inventory: A Review.

Author: Korfmacher, J.

Author Affiliation: Colorado Univ. School of Medicine, Denver. Kempe Children's Center.

Source: Child Abuse and Neglect; 24(1): pp. 129-140; Elsevier Science Ltd., New York, NY., January 2000

Distributor: Jon Korfmacher; Erikson Institute 420 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Index Terms:
assessment; measures; parental stress; parental behavior; validity; adults abused as children; substance abuse; mental health

Abstract:
This article reviews research about the validity of the Kempe Family Stress Inventory (KFSI), a 10-item scale that measures risk for parenting difficulties based upon responses to a thorough psychosocial interview. Research and documentation regarding the assessment instrument were gathered from journals, book chapters, presentations, workshops, and intervention evaluation reports. The KFSI has been used to predict parents' future risk of maltreating their children. The scale covers a variety of domains, including psychiatric history, criminal and substance abuse history, childhood history of care, emotional functioning, attitudes towards and perception of child, discipline of child, and level of stress in the parent's life. Although construct validity has been demonstrated with the KFSI, questions remain about its specificity and sensitivity. In addition, there has been minimal reliability and work done on the measure. It is concluded that the KFSI may have clinical utility, but should be used as part of a more comprehensive risk assessment that includes multiple measures. Acceptable accuracy in predicting child abuse and neglect when used by itself has not been demonstrated. There is a need for more demonstration of reliability and validity. Suggestions for future research are noted. 21 references and 2 tables. (Author abstract)

Document Number: CD-32820

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: CHILD WELFARE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING: Selected Articles.

Sponsor: Maternal and Child Health Bureau (DHHS), Washington, DC; National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (DHHS), Washington, DC. (90CA1561); Children's Bureau (DHHS), Washington, DC; Children's Bureau (DHHS), Washington, DC. (90CW1037)

Source: NCCAN Annotated Bibliographies; 2000

Internet URL: http://www.calib.com/nccanch

Index Terms:
kinship care; professional training; child welfare workers; curricula; competency based training; assessment; intervention strategies; service delivery; social workers; social workers role; personnel needs; child protective services; child welfare services; personnel management; competency; children with disabilities; developmental disabilities; foster care; foster parents training; program models; interagency collaboration; evaluation methods; validity; testing; outcomes; longitudinal studies; program evaluation; family preservation; cultural competency; schools of social work; resource materials; child welfare research; risk factors; prevention; child welfare research; child welfare agencies; substance abuse; multidisciplinary teams; child welfare reform; pennsylvania; interdisciplinary approach; new york; social workers attitudes; caseload; staff development; florida; investigations; supervisors; foster care workers; california; measures

Full Text:
Document No.: CD-27439
Paradigm Shift: Training Staff to Provide Services to the Kinship Triad.
Jackson, S. M.
Chapter in Book
pp. 93-111
Copyright 1999
In: Hegar, R. L. and Scannapieco, M. (Editors). Kinship Foster Care:
Policy, Practice, and Research. New York, NY, Oxford Univ. Press
Distributed by:
Order Dept., Oxford Univ. Press
2001 Evans Rd.
Cary, NC 27513
(800) 451-7556
custserv@oup-usa.org
http://www.oup-usa.org

This chapter outlines the components of training programs for kinship care
staff. The differences between the regular foster care paradigm and the
kinship care paradigm are highlighted. While the traditional paradigm is
child-centered and adversarial, the new paradigm is family-centered and
emphasizes court-based mediation. The new philosophy also favors custody
and guardianship rather than foster care maintenance, and therapy instead
of case management. Training should examine these differences and focus on
the philosophies of permanency planning, cultural considerations, the
extended family meeting, resource provision, and the strengths
perspective. The curriculum should address the definition of kinship,
history of kinship care, specialized competencies for kinship care, value
of appropriate placements, legal foundation, and the permanency planning
hierarchy. An assessment component is also necessary to train workers in
the specifics of evaluating the kinship triad and its relationships,
strengths and problems, structure, and functioning. Finally, the
curriculum should include a section on making decisions about termination
and transition from care. 22 references and 4 figures.

Descriptors:
kinship care; professional training; child welfare workers; curricula;
competency based training; assessment; intervention strategies; service
delivery

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27788
Differential Uses for BSW and MSW Educated Social Workers in Child Welfare
Services.
Rittner, B.; Wodarski, J. S.
Journal Article
Copyright March 1999
Children and Youth Services Review.
21(3):217-238.
Barbara Rittner, School of Social Work, Tucker Hall, Georgia Univ.,
Athens, GA 30602
brittner@arches.uga.edu

This article offers a rationale for deciding how to use BSW and MSW
educated social workers in child welfare services. Generalist skills
taught in BSW programs prepare students for work as hot-line screeners,
foster care case managers, and case workers with low-to-moderate risk
families, and to recruit, screen, and train foster and adoptive parents.
Skills taught in MSW programs are needed for conducting initial
investigations, working with high risk families, terminating parental
rights, placing children with adoptive families, and for administrative
and supervisory functions. Educational requirements for each function are
described. 49 references. (Author abstract)

Descriptors:
social workers; professional training; social workers role; personnel
needs; child protective services; child welfare services; personnel
management; competency

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27965
Training Professionals to Work With Young Children With Developmental
Disabilities.
Vig, S.; Kaminer, R.
Chapter in Book
pp. 455-471
Copyright 1999
In: Silver, J. A.; Amster, B. J.; Haecker, T. Young Children and Foster
Care: A Guide for Professionals. Baltimore, MD, Paul H. Brookes Publishing
Co.
Distributed by:
Brookes Publishing Co.
P. O. Box 10624
Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
(800) 638-3775
custserv@pbrookes.com
http://www.pbrookes.com
Sponsored by:
Maternal and Child Health Bureau (DHHS), Washington, DC.

This chapter explains the need for professional training to help child
welfare workers and foster parents identify developmental disabilities and
respond appropriately to the needs and behaviors of children in their
care. Early identification of problems can promote intervention and
acceptance of the functioning of the child, as well as support for the
caregiver. Foster families and birth families need information about
developmentally appropriate expectations, behavior management, and
community support. In addition to child welfare workers and foster
parents, agency supervisors and legal systems representatives can benefit
from training that explains the types of problems presented by foster
children and the need for parent education. Training topics should include
the indicators of developmental disabilities, assessment techniques,
referral procedures, financial assistance, and service planning.
Cross-systems training is especially effective in promoting collaboration
between agencies. 35 references.

Descriptors:
children with disabilities; developmental disabilities; professional
training; foster care; child welfare workers; foster parents training;
program models; interagency collaboration

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27043
Determining Readiness for Child Protective Services Practice: Development
of a Testing Program.
Biggerstaff, M. A.; Wood, L.; Fountain, S.
Journal Article
Copyright October 1998
Children and Youth Services Review.
20(8):697-713.
Marilyn Biggerstaff, School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth Univ.,
P. O. Box 842027, Richmond, VA 23284-2027
biggers@saturn.vcu.edu

This article describes the process of developing a testing program for use
in competency-based training for public child welfare employees. The
Readiness for Practice in Child Protective Services Model was developed to
assure the job-relatedness of the tests. Readiness for practice includes
both the situation type (child protective services) and the employee's
background resources (e.g., personal characteristics, professional
education, experience, competency-based training, etc.). In the case
example illustrating the process, the tests were used to determine whether
local agency staff would be exempt from any of three required training
courses based on knowledge necessary at the entry-level. Three separate
50-item multiple-choice tests were developed to assess knowledge of intake
and investigation in child abuse and neglect situations, child sexual
abuse, and sexual abuse investigations. The Readiness for Practice Model
and the procedures used to test development including content validity,
item writing, test administration and standard setting are detailed. 37
references, 1 figure, and 1 table. (Author abstract)

Descriptors:
child welfare workers; competency based training; professional training;
evaluation methods; validity; testing

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27424
The Impact of Child Protective Service Training: A Longitudinal Study of
Workers' Job Performance, Knowledge, and Attitudes.
Leung, P.; Cheung, K. M.
Journal Article
Copyright November 1998
Research on Social Work Practice.
8(6):668-684.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com

A longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate the impact of an
entry-level training program on caseworkers' performance, knowledge, and
attitudes. The skill competencies of 152 trainees were compared to a
random sample of 51 caseworkers who did not participate in such training.
Pre- and post-training results of knowledge tests and attitudinal measures
were analyzed. Improved skill levels were found within both training and
nontraining groups across time. Trainees did better on knowledge tests,
and their perceived knowledge levels were significantly higher after
training. Significant improvements were found in trainees' perceptions of
ethnic awareness and value of family preservation. The 3-month training
with a field practice component has been perceived as helpful in preparing
caseworkers for child protective service tasks. Caseworkers' knowledge,
skills, and attitudes improved after training, but there still is no
statistical evidence to indicate that the trained workers performed better
than the untrained ones. Entry-level training and on-the-job training are
recommended. 17 references and 4 tables. (Author abstract)

Descriptors:
child protective services; professional training; outcomes; longitudinal
studies; competency based training; program evaluation; family
preservation; cultural competency

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27459
Educating for Child Welfare Practice: A Compendium of Exemplary Syllabi.
Zlotnik, J. L. (Editor); Rome, S. H. (Editor); DePanfilis, D. (Editor)
Book
177 pp.
Copyright 1998
Council on Social Work Education, Alexandria, VA
Distributed by:
Council on Social Work Education
1600 Duke St., Suite 300
Alexandria, VA 22314-3421
(703) 519-2057
FAX: (703) 683-8099
rpons@cswe.org
http://www.cswe.org

Social work education programs and public child welfare agencies have
entered into partnerships to enhance child welfare curricula or add course
offerings in order to prepare students to work in the child welfare field.
A range of academic approaches addresses child welfare competencies. This
compendium provides syllabi for child welfare courses at the Baccalaureate
and Masters levels. Part I covers Baccalaureate-level courses on child
welfare services, child welfare, family and child welfare services, and an
integrative seminar. Part II focuses on Master's level practice courses,
such as psychosocial development of vulnerable children, family practice,
child abuse and neglect, the application of social work practice
principles to child welfare, and an integrative seminar on public child
welfare. The third section includes Master's level policy courses. Syllabi
for child welfare research and the legal aspects of social work are
presented in the final section. Each syllabus provides an overview of the
course and its objectives, lists of required texts and assignments, and
outlines of units of study. Appendixes include a set of child welfare
competencies, materials used to evaluate students' child welfare field
experiences, and a list of child welfare resources. Numerous references.

Descriptors:
child welfare workers; social workers; schools of social work;
professional training; curricula; resource materials; child welfare
research

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27678
Responding to Maltreatment of Children With Disabilities: A Trainer's
Guide.
Steinberg, M. A.; Hylton, J. R.; Wheeler, C. E. (Editor)
Training Material
464 pp.
Copyright September 1998
Oregon Health Sciences Univ., Portland. Oregon Institute on Disability and
DevelopmentOregon Health Sciences Univ., Oregon Institute on Disability and
Development
P. O. Box 574
Portland, OR 97207-0574
(503) 494-8699
Sponsored by:
National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (DHHS), Washington, DC.
(90CA1561).

This NCCAN-funded training curriculum was designed to provide trainers
with a framework for teaching about the maltreatment of children with
disabilities. Potential trainees include both child protective service
workers who respond to the needs of children with disabilities and those
who work in the field of disabilities. The five modules provide an
introduction to disabilities and examine the relationship between
maltreatment and disabilities, considerations for assessment, child
protective service practices for children with disabilities, and risk
reduction. Myths about disabilities, the impact of disability on
communication and culture, incidence and prevalence of abuse and neglect,
signs of abuse and neglect, medical examination practices, and
consultation with disability experts are specifically discussed. The
curriculum manual provides a lecture guide, participant guides, trainers'
texts, transparencies, and videotapes for each module. A Power Point slide
presentation is available as an alternative to the transparencies
provided.

children with disabilities; child protective services; professional
training; competency based training; curricula; assessment; risk factors;
prevention

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27748
Child Welfare Fellow Report 1997-98: Training and Research for the
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Children and Youth Agency (pro-gen).
Gregoire, K. A.
Technical Report
55 pp.
Copyright 1998
Millersville Univ., PA. Dept. of Social Work
Kathryn Gregoire, Millersville Univ. Dept. of Social Work, P. O. Box 1002,
Millersville, PA 17551
(717) 871-2475
kgregoir@marauder.millersv.edu
Sponsored by:
Children's Bureau (DHHS), Washington, DC.

This report details the results of a Child Welfare Fellow project to
conduct training and research for the Lancaster County (Pennsylvania)
Children and Youth Agency. Activities included training on the link
between substance abuse and child abuse, the development of a Substance
Abuse Resource Center for the agency, consultation on placements, and
participation on the Commissioners' Multi-Disciplinary Review Team. The
report of the multidisciplinary review team is included in the packet.
Written primarily by the Fellow, the report describes the findings and
recommendations of the Multidisciplinary Review Team to improve agency
coordination for the protection of children. Based on a review of 91 cases
over two four-day periods, the multidisciplinary team recommended changes
in legislation, decision-making standards, and agency procedures to
emphasize child protection rather than family preservation.
Recommendations included guidelines for family courts, interagency
collaboration, improved case tracking, increased reimbursement for medical
assistance providers, increased enforcement of mandatory reporting laws,
drug testing for clients of Children and Youth agencies, the provision of
mental health and mental retardation services, support for kinship care
providers, early intervention, and the timely implementation of
court-ordered treatment. An attachment to the report compares the county
recommendations to those of the state review team and the Pennsylvania
Legislative Committee. 1 table.

Descriptors:
child welfare research; child welfare agencies; substance abuse;
multidisciplinary teams; child welfare reform; professional training;
program evaluation; pennsylvania

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27822
A Final Report of the Interdisciplinary Child Welfare Curriculum and
Training.
Rudolph, C.
Final Report
96 pp.
Copyright March 18, 1998
Syracuse Univ., NY. School of Social Work
Distributed by:
School of Social Work, Syracuse Univ.
Sims Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244-1230
(315) 443-5550
FAX: (315) 443-5576
Sponsored by:
Children's Bureau (DHHS), Washington, DC. (90CW1037).

This final report details the process and achievements of an
interdisciplinary child welfare training grant awarded to the Syracuse
University School of Social Work. The School of Social Work used the grant
to develop a child welfare concentration within the social work
curriculum, with the assistance of the Onondaga County Children's
Division. An Interdisciplinary Advisory Committee comprised of faculty
from the University Law School, the School of Public Affairs, the School
of Education, and the School of Social Work cooperated with public and
private child welfare administrators to identify competencies and skills
to be addressed in the child welfare curriculum. In addition to the
development of the curriculum, the goals of the project were to expand on
the interdisciplinary Bachelor of Social Work program and to recruit
current social service workers into the Master's program. The project
successfully enrolled 16 students from the Onondaga County Children's
Division, as well as three other rural counties. These students were
required to commit to four years of employment with the agency after
graduation as payback for the graduate program. Partnerships with public
agencies provided opportunities for field work experiences, such as
planning for follow-up services, training for intensive family
preservation services, coordination of the foster care program, and the
development of an intake assessment program. An evaluation of the academic
achievements of the child welfare trainees found the experienced workers
to be excellent students. The trainees earned high grades and contributed
to class discussions. Focus groups with the students revealed that the
curriculum helped to improve the confidence-levels of child welfare
workers, gave them a theoretical basis for their work, increased practice
skills, and improved cultural competency.

Descriptors:
schools of social work; interdisciplinary approach; child welfare workers;
professional training; curricula; new york; interagency collaboration;
program evaluation

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-28493
Research Finds Suggest Why Child Welfare Workers Stay on Job.
Cicero-Reese, B.; Black, P. N.
Technical Report
4 pp.
Copyright February 1998
Council on Social Work Education, Alexandria, VA
Distributed by:
Council on Social Work Education
1600 Duke St., Suite 300
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-8080
FAX: (703) 683-8099
http://www.oswe.org

This article discusses findings from a study of why child welfare workers
stay on the job. The annual turnover of child welfare workers has been
estimated at between 30 percent and 40 percent. This ongoing drain of
staff results in uncovered caseloads, discontinuity of service to
families, and increased administrative costs. It is also detrimental to
staff morale and discouraging to potential recruits to the filed. In
recognition of the deleterious impact of high staff turnover, it is
important to identify factors that might promote personnel recruitment and
retention. Insight into the turnover issue can be gained by examining both
the "leavers" and the "stayers" in the child welfare workplace. To date,
research attention has focused primarily on employee reasons for
resignation. Minimal attention, however, has been directed to those
practitioners who remain on staff. Participants in this study included
child welfare workers from one public child welfare agency that have
remained on the job for more than 2 years. An anonymous, self- report
questionnaire was used to determine the demographics, educational
background, and work history of these employees. Items in the
questionnaire also tapped worker perceptions of factors that influenced
them to remain on the job. In addition, an individual interview was
conducted with a small group of staff who volunteered to participate in
this in-depth exploration of reasons motivating their continued
employment. Some results of the study include the mean age of the
respondents was just under 42 years and females comprised 74 percent. The
majority of the staff were married (63 percent) and had children of their
own (68 percent). Respondents identified the factors most important to
their continuing employment as "commitment to the well-being of children"
and "desire to help children." In-service training and support from
supervisors and peers were also considered important factors. 8
references, 3 tables and 1 figure. (Author abstract modified)

Descriptors:
child welfare workers; social workers attitudes; caseload; staff
development

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-28689
Handbook for Protective Investigations, Protective Supervision, and Foster
Care Counselors.
Florida State Dept. of Children and Families, Tallahassee. Professional
Development Centres.
Training Material
79 pp.
Copyright April 28, 1998
Florida State Dept. of Children and Families, Tallahassee. Professional
Development Centres
Distributed by:
Florida State Dept. of Children and Families, Professional Development
Centres
1317 Winewood Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL 32399
http://www.state.fl.us/pdc

This guide explains the field-based performance assessment for protective
investigations, protective supervision, and foster care counselors
employed by the Florida Department of Children and Families. Supervisors
and counselors are evaluated in five competency areas: assessment of child
safety and well- being; planning; documenting and organizing written
records; referring and coordinating services; and possessing professional
interpersonal skills. Evaluations consist of both written work products,
as well as observation of interpersonal skills. The handbook outlines the
parameters of the assessment, case selection procedures, candidate
directions, immediate supervisor directions, and independent evaluator
directions. Forms are included.

Descriptors:
child protective services; florida; investigations; supervisors; foster
care workers; professional training; competency based training; evaluation
methods

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-28752
An Evaluation of Training Classes Provided to County Child Welfare
Workers.
Baenziger, B. B.
Dissertation
55 pp.
Copyright Spring 1998
San Diego State Univ., CA. School of Social Work
Distributed by:
San Diego State Univ., School of Social Work
5500 Campanile Dr.
San Diego, CA 92182-4119
(619) 594-6865
FAX: (619) 594-5991
bbziger@cts.com
http://www.rohan.sdsu.edu/dept/chhs/sw/sw.html

This study evaluated four training classes for child welfare workers
conducted by the Public Child Welfare Training Academy in the southern
region of California. The training program was based on a set of core
competencies identified by the California Social Work Education Center.
Classes in child development, crisis intervention, case management, and
placement planning were evaluated. An instrument designed to test the
trainees' knowledge on the subject matter of the classes was administered
to three groups of trainees: a group that did not take the classes
(control group); a group that had just completed the classes
(post-training group); and a group that had completed the classes three
months prior to the study (three-month follow- up group). In addition, an
observer noted whether the trainers covered the core competencies required
for those classes. Due to low internal reliability of the instrument, a
comparison of mean scores among sample groups was not conducted. Rather,
the study examined the percentage of correct responses on individual
questions and look for differences among the sample groups. The findings
seemed to suggest that learning did not occur through the classes.
However, several confounding variables may be responsible for the results,
such as limitations in the instrument, differences in testing environment,
variations in trainers and course content, and small sample groups.
Recommendations for improving future evaluations are provided. 29
references and 21 tables. (Author abstract)

Descriptors:
program evaluation; professional training; child welfare workers;
california; competency based training; outcomes; evaluation methods;
measures

Publication Type: Annotated Bibliography

Availability:
This annotated bibliography is a product of the National Clearinghouse
on Child Abuse and Neglect Information. The references have been selected
from thousands of materials available in our database to provide you with
the most up-to-date information related to child victims, witnesses, and
perpetrators of violence.

This bibliography looks at prevention, intervention and treatment issues
in relation to the impacts of violence on children. It is presented in
three sections: children as victims of violence, children as witnesses of
violence, and children and adolescents as perpetrators of violence.
Although many references cover more than one subject area, each citation
is listed only once in this bibliography, primarily under its major
subject heading.

All documents in this bibliography are contained in the Clearinghouse
library and are referenced following the format of the American
Psychological Association (APA). Authors, titles, publication dates and
publishers are provided within this format for each reference. We are
not, however, able to provide photocopies of all materials due to
copyright restrictions. Copies of publications that are not copyrighted,
such as Government publications, grant reports, or unpublished papers,
are available from the Clearinghouse for a reproduction fee of $0.10 per
page. Journal articles and chapters in books are copyrighted and may be
found at research or university libraries.

Information Specialists can answer questions about copyright status and
ordering information, as well as guide you in selecting materials from
this bibliography or suggest other materials that may be useful to you.
In addition, Specialists are available to conduct customized searches
of Clearinghouse databases for a base fee of $5.00 plus $.20 per record.

For more information, please contact

National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
330 C St., SW
Washington, DC 20447
Tel.: (800)394-3366 or 703-385-7565
Fax: 703-385-3206
E-mail: nccanch@calib.com

Database: Annotated Bibliographies

Title: Legislation Authorizing HIV Testing of Sex Offenders (Current through December 31, 1999): Iowa.

Institutional Author: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT INFORMATION; NATIONAL CENTER FOR PROSECUTION OF CHILD ABUSE

Author Affiliation: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Administration for Children and Families Administration on Children, Youth and Families Children's Bureau; NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT INFORMATION 330 C Street, SW, Washington, DC, 20447, (703) 385-7565 Outside Metropolitan Area: (800) FYI-3366; NATIONAL CENTER FOR PROSECUTION OF CHILD ABUSE 99 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 510, Alexandria, VA, 22314, (703) 739-0321

Source: Investigations Number 16; In: HIV Testing of Sex Offenders

Internet URL: http://www.ndaa-apri.org

Series: Child Abuse and Neglect State Statutes Elements

Index Terms:
Statute; Iowa; conduct; HIV Testing; Legislation; Sex Offender; sexual assault

Full Text:
IOWA

Iowa Code Section 915.42 (West Supp. 2000)

Unless a petitioner chooses to be represented by private counsel, the
county attorney shall represent the victim's interest in all proceedings
under this section.

If a person is convicted of sexual assault or adjudicated delinquent for
an act of sexual assault, the county attorney, if requested by the
petitioner, shall petition the court for an order requiring the convicted
offender to submit to an HIV-related test, provided that all of the
following conditions are met:

* The sexual assault for which the offender was convicted or
    adjudicated delinquent included sufficient contact between the victim
    and the convicted offender to be deemed a significant exposure.
* The authorized representative of the petitioner, the county attorney,
    or the court sought to obtain written informed consent from the
    convicted offender to the testing.

Upon receipt of the petition, the court shall:

* Prior to the scheduling of a hearing, refer the victim for counseling
    by a victim counselor or a person requested by the victim to provide
    counseling regarding the nature, reliability, and significance of the
    HIV-related test and of the serologic status of the convicted or
    alleged offender.

* Schedule a hearing to be held as soon as is practicable.

* Cause written notice to be served on the convicted offender who is
    the subject of the proceeding, in accordance with the rules of civil
    procedure relating to the service of original notice, or if the
    convicted offender is represented by legal counsel, provide written
    notice to the convicted offender and the convicted offender's legal
    counsel.

* Provide for the appointment of legal counsel for a convicted offender
    if the convicted offender desires but is financially unable to employ
    counsel.

* Furnish legal counsel with copies of the petition or application,
    written informed consent, if obtained, and copies of all other
    documents related to the petition or application, including, but not
    limited to, the charges and orders.

A hearing under this section shall be conducted in an informal manner
consistent with orderly procedure and in accordance with the Iowa rules
of evidence. The hearing shall be limited in scope to the review of
questions of fact only as to the issue of whether the sexual assault for
which the offender was convicted or adjudicated delinquent provided
sufficient contact between the victim and the convicted offender to be
deemed a significant exposure and to questions of law.

In determining whether the contact should be deemed a significant
exposure, the court shall base the determination on the testimony
presented during the proceedings on the sexual assault charge, the
minutes of the testimony or other evidence included in the court record,
or if a plea of guilty was entered, based upon the complaint or upon
testimony provided during the hearing.

The victim may testify at the hearing, but shall not be compelled to
testify. The court shall not consider the refusal of a victim to testify
at the hearing as material to the court's decision regarding issuance of
an order requiring testing.

The hearing shall be in camera unless the convicted offender and the
petitioner agree to a hearing in open court and the court approves. The
report of the hearing proceedings shall be sealed and no report of the
proceedings shall be released to the public, except with the permission
of all parties and the approval of the court.

Following the hearing, the court shall require a convicted offender to
undergo an HIV-related test only if the petitioner proves all of the
following by a preponderance of the evidence:

* The sexual assault constituted a significant exposure.

* An authorized representative of the petitioner, the county attorney,
    or the court sought to obtain written informed consent from the
    convicted offender.

* Written informed consent was not provided by the convicted offender.

A convicted offender who is required to undergo an HIV-related test may
appeal to the court for review of questions of law only, but may appeal
questions of fact if the findings of fact are clearly erroneous.

Document Number: CS-0000763

Publication Type: Statutes

Database: US State Statute Series

Title: Legislation Requiring Sex Offenders to Register With a Government Agency (Current through December 31, 1999): California.

Institutional Author: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT INFORMATION; NATIONAL CENTER FOR PROSECUTION OF CHILD ABUSE

Source: Investigations Number 17; In: Sex Offender Registration

Internet URL: http://www.ndaa-apri.org

Series: Child Abuse and Neglect State Statutes Elements

Index Terms:
Statute; California; Agency; circumstances; Department; employment; Government Agency; Information; jurisdiction; juvenile; Legislation; offense; Register; Sex Offender; subdivision

Full Text:
CALIFORNIA

Cal. Penal Code Section 290 (West Supp. 2000)

Registration Mandate and Duration of Registration Requirement

Every person described herein for the rest of his or her life while
residing in California, shall be required to register with the chief of
police of the city in which he or she is domiciled, or the sheriff of the
county if he or she is domiciled in an unincorporated area, and,
additionally, with the chief of police of a campus of the University of
California or the California State University if he or she is domiciled
upon the campus or in any of its facilities, within five working days of
coming into any county, city, or city and county, or campus in which he
or she temporarily resides or is domiciled for that length of time.

The following persons shall be required to register: persons convicted of
the commission or attempt to commit enumerated sexual offenses; persons
determined to be mentally disordered sex offenders; persons convicted in
any other court of any offense which, if committed or attempted in
California, would have been punishable as one or more of the enumerated
sexual offenses; persons ordered by any court to register for any offense
not included specifically in this section if the court finds at the time
of conviction or sentencing that the person committed the offense as a
result of sexual compulsion or for purposes of sexual gratification;
persons discharged from the Department of the Youth Authority (or from a
facility in another state that is equivalent to the Department of the
Youth Authority) to the custody of which he or she was committed after
having been adjudicated a ward of the court because of the commission or
attempted commission of an enumerated offense.

Information Included in Registration

The registration shall consist of all of the following: a statement in
writing signed by the person, giving information as shall be required by
the Department of Justice and giving the name and address of the person's
employer, and the address of the person's place of employment if that is
different from the employer's main address; the fingerprints and
photograph of the person; the license plate number of any vehicle owned
by regularly driven by, or registered in the name of the person; copies
of adequate proof of residence, which shall be limited to a California
driver's license, California identification card, recent rent or utility
receipt, printed personalized checks or other recent banking documents
showing the person's name and address, or any other information that the
registering official believes is reliable. If any person who is
required to register pursuant to this section changes his or her
residence address or location, whether within the jurisdiction in which
he or she is currently registered or to a new jurisdiction inside or
outside the state, the person shall inform, in writing within 10 days,
the law enforcement agency or agencies with whom he or she last
registered of the new address or location.

Penalty for Failing to Register

Any person who is required to register based on a misdemeanor conviction
or juvenile adjucation who willfully violates any requirement of this
section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county
jail not exceeding one year.

Any person who is required to register based on a felony conviction or
juvenile adjudication who willfully violates any requirement of this
section or who has a prior conviction or juvenile adjudication for the
offense of failing to register and who subsequently and willfully
violates any requirement of this section is guilty of a felony and shall
be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for 16 months, or two or
three years.

If probation is granted or if the imposition or execution of sentence is
suspended, it shall be a condition of the probation or suspension that
the person serve at least 90 days in a county jail. The penalty described
in this paragraph shall apply whether or not the person has been released
on parole or has been discharged from parole.

Any person determined to be a mentally disordered sex offender or who has
been found guilty in the guilt phase of trial for an offense for which
registration is required under this section, but who has been found not
guilty by reason of insanity in the sanity phase of the trial, who
willfully violates any requirement of this section is guilty of a
misdemeanor and shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not
exceeding one year. For any second or subsequent willful violation of any
requirement of this section, the person is guilty of a felony and shall
be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for 16 months, or two or
three years.

If, after discharge from parole, the person is convicted of a felony, or
suffers a juvenile adjudication as specified in this subdivision, he or
she shall be required to complete parole of at least one year, in
addition to any other punishment imposed under this subdivision. A person
convicted of a felony as specified in this subdivision may be granted
probation only in the unusual case where the interests of justice would
best be served. When probation is granted under this paragraph, the court
shall specify on the record and shall enter into the minutes the
circumstances indicating that the interests of justice would best be
served by the disposition.

Any person who is required to register under this section who willfully
violates any requirement of this section is guilty of a continuing
offense.

Document Number: CS-0000801

Publication Type: Statutes

Database: US State Statute Series

Title: Legislation Regarding the Admissibility Of Videotaped Interviews/Statements In Criminal Child Abuse Proceedings (Current through December 31, 1999): Louisiana.

Institutional Author: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT INFORMATION; NATIONAL CENTER FOR PROSECUTION OF CHILD ABUSE

Source: Child Witnesses Number 22; In: Admissibility of Videotaped Interviews or Statements

Internet URL: http://www.ndaa-apri.org

Series: Child Abuse and Neglect State Statutes Elements

Index Terms:
Statute; Louisiana; Abuse; Admissibility; Child; Child Abuse; child's testimony; Children; conduct; Criminal Child Abuse; Criminal; defendant; Department; Legislation; Proceedings; Statement; Videotaped Interviews

Full Text:
LOUISIANA

La. Children's Code art. 324 et seq. (West Supp. 2000)

Crimes: rape; physical or sexual abuse of a child.

Age: 14 years of age or younger.

Applicability: victim.

Criteria for admissibility: the electronic recording was voluntarily made
by the child; no relative of the child was present in the room in which
the recording was made; no attorney for either party was present when the
statement was made; the recording was not made of answers to questions
calculated to lead the child to make a particular statement; the
recording is both visual and oral and is recorded on film or videotape or
by other electronic means; the recording is accurate, has not been
altered, and reflects what the child said; the taking of the child's
statement was supervised by a physician, a social worker, a law
enforcement officer, a licensed psychologist, or an authorized
representative of the Department of Social Services; every voice on the
recording is identified; the parties to the proceeding are afforded an
opportunity to view the recording; the person conducting the interview is
present at the proceeding and available to testify or be cross-examined
by either party; the child is available to testify.

Special issues: If the videotape is admitted into evidence, it becomes
part of the court record and shall be preserved under a protective order
of the court.

The court shall order destruction of the tape after five years from the
date of entry of the judgment or, if an appeal is filed, after a final
judgment on appeal is rendered.

The admission into evidence of the videotape as authorized herein shall
not preclude the state from calling the child as a witness or taking the
child's testimony outside the courtroom as otherwise authorized by law.

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the right of
confrontation of a defendant in a criminal proceeding before the court.

Held constitutional in Interest of R.C. Jr., 514 So.2d 759 (La. Ct. App.
1987). The court determined that Louisiana's videotaping statute provides
sufficient measures of reliability since it prohibits the use of leading
questions, requires an accurate recording of the statement and prescribes
that the statement be voluntary. The court further stressed that even
though the statement is to be taped without cross-examination, it is not
devoid of indicia of reliability.

Document Number: CS-0001003

Publication Type: Statutes

Database: US State Statute Series

Title: Legislation Regarding the Admissibility Of Videotaped Interviews/Statements In Criminal Child Abuse Proceedings (Current through December 31, 1999): Minnesota.

Institutional Author: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT INFORMATION; NATIONAL CENTER FOR PROSECUTION OF CHILD ABUSE

Source: Child Witnesses Number 22; In: Admissibility of Videotaped Interviews or Statements

Internet URL: http://www.ndaa-apri.org

Series: Child Abuse and Neglect State Statutes Elements

Index Terms:
Statute; Minnesota; Abuse; Admissibility; Child; Child Abuse; circumstances; Criminal Child Abuse; Criminal; Legislation; penetration; Proceedings; relationship; Statement; Videotaped Interviews

Full Text:
MINNESOTA

Minn. Stat. Ann. Section 595.02(3) (West Supp. 2000)

Crimes: sexual contact or penetration; physical abuse.

Age: under 10 years of age.

Applicability: victim.

Criteria for admissibility: The out-of-court statement is recorded by
video, audio, or other recording means.

The court or person authorized to receive evidence finds, in a hearing
outside the presence of the jury, that the time, content and
circumstances of statement and the relationship of the person to whom the
statement is made provide sufficient indicia of reliability.

The child either:
    (1) testifies at the proceeding;
    (2) is unavailable to testify and there is corroborative evidence of
        the act (note: an unavailable witness includes one who is
        incompetent).

The proponent of the statement notifies the adverse party of the
proponent's intention to offer the statement and the particulars of the
statement sufficiently in advance of the proceeding to provide the
adverse party with a fair opportunity to prepare to meet the statement.

Document Number: CS-0001005

Publication Type: Statutes

Database: US State Statute Series

Title: Legislation Regarding the Use of Special Hearsay Exceptions for Criminal Child Abuse Cases (Current through December 31, 1999): Florida.

Institutional Author: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT INFORMATION; NATIONAL CENTER FOR PROSECUTION OF CHILD ABUSE

Source: Child Witnesses Number 23; In: Special Child Hearsay Exceptions

Internet URL: http://www.ndaa-apri.org

Series: Child Abuse and Neglect State Statutes Elements

Index Terms:
Statute; Florida; Abuse; Child; Child Abuse; Child Abuse Cases; circumstances; Criminal Child Abuse; Criminal; defendant; Legislation; neglect; offense; penetration; relationship; Special Hearsay Exceptions

Full Text:
FLORIDA

Fla. Stat. Ann. ch. 90.803(23) (Harrison Supp. 2000)

Crimes: sexual abuse; physical abuse; neglect; any offense involving an
unlawful sexual act, contact, intrusion, or penetration.

Age: physical, mental, emotional or developmental age of 11 or younger.

Applicability: victim or witness.

Criteria for admissibility: the court must determine, in a hearing
outside the presence of the jury, that the time, content and
circumstances surrounding the statement are sufficient to safeguard
reliability; the child-declarant either:
    (1) testifies at the proceeding;
    (2) is unavailable to testify and there is other corroborative
        evidence (in addition to other statutory definitions of
        unavailability, unavailability under this statute shall include a
        finding that there is a substantial likelihood that testifying
        may result in severe emotional or mental harm to the
        child-declarant).

Factors to consider in determining trustworthiness: mental and physical
age of the child-declarant; maturity of the child-declarant; nature and
duration of the abuse; relationship of the child-declarant to the
offender; reliability of the assertion; reliability of the
child-declarant victim; any other factor deemed appropriate.

Special issues: the defendant must be notified no later than ten days
before the trial that the statement will be offered; notice shall include
a statement indicating reliability, content, circumstances when made,
time at which statement made, and other particulars necessary to provide
full disclosure of statement; the court shall make specific findings of
fact as a basis for its ruling.

Held constitutional in Glendening v. State, 536 So. 2d 212 (Fla. 1988),
cert. denied, 492 U.S. 907 (1989).

Document Number: CS-0001021

Publication Type: Statutes

Database: US State Statute Series

Title: Legislation Regarding the Use of Special Hearsay Exceptions for Criminal Child Abuse Cases (Current through December 31, 1999): Minnesota.

Institutional Author: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT INFORMATION; NATIONAL CENTER FOR PROSECUTION OF CHILD ABUSE

Source: Child Witnesses Number 23; In: Special Child Hearsay Exceptions

Internet URL: http://www.ndaa-apri.org

Series: Child Abuse and Neglect State Statutes Elements

Index Terms:
Statute; Minnesota; Abuse; Child; Child Abuse; Child Abuse Cases; circumstances; conduct; Criminal Child Abuse; Criminal; impairment; Legislation; penetration; Special Hearsay Exceptions

Full Text:
MINNESOTA

Minn. Stat. Ann. Section 595.02(3) (West Supp. 2000)

Crimes: sexual contact or penetration; physical abuse; mental
impairment.

Age: under 10 years of age.

Applicability: victim.

Criteria for admissibility: The child-declarant's statement alleges,
explains, denies, or describes an act of sexual contact or penetration
performed with or on the child-declarant or any act of physical abuse of
the child-declarant.

The court or person authorized to receive evidence finds, in a hearing
conducted outside of the presence of the jury, that the time, content,
and circumstances of the statement and the reliability of the person to
whom the statement was made provide sufficient indicia of reliability.

The child-declarant either:
    (1) testifies at the proceeding;
    (2) is unavailable to testify and there is corroborative evidence of
        the act.

Special issues: the proponent of the statement must notify the adverse
party of his or her intention to offer the statement and the particulars
of the statement sufficiently in advance of the proceeding to provide the
adverse party with a fair opportunity to prepare to meet the statement;
out-of-court statements include video, audio, and other recorded
statements.

Document Number: CS-0001032

Publication Type: Statutes

Database: US State Statute Series

Title: Legislation Regarding the Use of Special Hearsay Exceptions for Criminal Child Abuse Cases (Current through December 31, 1999): Oklahoma.

Institutional Author: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT INFORMATION; NATIONAL CENTER FOR PROSECUTION OF CHILD ABUSE

Source: Child Witnesses Number 23; In: Special Child Hearsay Exceptions

Internet URL: http://www.ndaa-apri.org

Series: Child Abuse and Neglect State Statutes Elements

Index Terms:
Statute; Oklahoma; Abuse; Child; Child Abuse; Child Abuse Cases; circumstances; conduct; Criminal Child Abuse; Criminal; Legislation; Special Hearsay Exceptions

Full Text:
OKLAHOMA

Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 12, Section 2803.1 (West Supp. 2000)

Crimes: sexual contact; physical abuse.

Age: not yet attained 13 years of age.

Applicability: victim.

Criteria for admissibility: The court finds, in a hearing conducted
outside the presence of the jury, that the time, content and
circumstances provide sufficient indicia of reliability so to render it
inherently trustworthy. In determining such trustworthiness the court
may consider, among other things, the following factors: the spontaneity
and consistent repetition of the statement, the mental state of the
declarant, whether the terminology used is unexpected of a child of
similar age, and whether a lack of motive to fabricate exists; and the
child-declarant either:
    (1) testifies or is available to testify at the proceedings;
    (2) is unavailable as a witness and there is corroborative evidence
        of the act.

Special issue: The proponent of the statement must make known to the
adverse party his or her intention to offer the statement and the
particulars of the statement at least ten days in advance of the
proceedings to provide the adverse party with an opportunity to prepare
to answer the statement.

Held constitutional in Jones v. State, 781 P.2d 326 (Okla. Crim. App.
1989).

Document Number: CS-0001039

Publication Type: Statutes

Database: US State Statute Series

Title: Legislation Regarding the Use of Special Hearsay Exceptions for Criminal Child Abuse Cases (Current through December 31, 1999): Pennsylvania.

Institutional Author: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT INFORMATION; NATIONAL CENTER FOR PROSECUTION OF CHILD ABUSE

Source: Child Witnesses Number 23; In: Special Child Hearsay Exceptions

Internet URL: http://www.ndaa-apri.org

Series: Child Abuse and Neglect State Statutes Elements

Index Terms:
Statute; Pennsylvania; Abuse; Child; Child Abuse; Child Abuse Cases; circumstances; Criminal Child Abuse; Criminal; Legislation; offense; Special Hearsay Exceptions

Full Text:
PENNSYLVANIA

42 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. Section 5985.1 (Supp. 2000)

Crimes: physical abuse, indecent contact, sexual offenses.

Age: 12 years of age or younger at the time the statement was made.

Applicability: victim or witness.

Criteria for admissibility: The court finds, in an in camera hearing,
that the evidence is relevant and the time, content and circumstances of
the statement provide sufficient indicia of reliability.

The child either:
(1) testifies at the proceeding;
(2) is unavailable as a witness.

Before the court makes a finding that the child is unavailable, the court
must determine, based on evidence presented to it, that testimony by the
child as a witness will result in the child suffering serious emotional
distress such that the child cannot reasonably communicate.

Special issue: The proponent of the statement must notify the adverse
party of his or her intention to offer the statement and the particulars
of the statement sufficiently in advance of the proceeding to provide the
adverse party with a fair opportunity to prepare to meet the statement.

Document Number: CS-0001041

Publication Type: Statutes

Database: US State Statute Series

Title: Legislation Regarding the Use of Special Hearsay Exceptions for Criminal Child Abuse Cases (Current through December 31, 1999): Texas.

Institutional Author: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT INFORMATION; NATIONAL CENTER FOR PROSECUTION OF CHILD ABUSE

Source: Child Witnesses Number 23; In: Special Child Hearsay Exceptions

Internet URL: http://www.ndaa-apri.org

Series: Child Abuse and Neglect State Statutes Elements

Index Terms:
Statute; Texas; Abuse; Child; Child Abuse; Child Abuse Cases; circumstances; conduct; Criminal Child Abuse; Criminal; defendant; Legislation; offense; sexual conduct; Special Hearsay Exceptions

Full Text:
TEXAS

Tex. Code Crim. P. Ann. Section 38.072 (West Supp. 2000)

Crimes: sexual offenses; assaultive offenses; prohibited sexual conduct;
sexual performance by a child.

Age: 12 years of age or younger.

Applicability: victim.

Criteria for admissibility: Only to statements that describe the alleged
offense that:

Were made by the child against whom the offense was allegedly committed
and where made to the first person, 18 years or older, other than the
defendant, to whom the child made a statement about the offense.

The court finds, in a hearing conducted outside the presence of the jury,
that the statement is reliable based on the time, content and
circumstances of the statement.

The child testifies or is available to testify at the proceeding in court
or in any other manner provided by law.

Special issue: On or before the 14th day before the date the proceeding
begins, the party intending to offer the statement must notify the
adverse party of its intention to do so, or provides the adverse party
with the name of the witness through whom it intends to offer the
statement and provides the adverse party with a written summary of the
statement.

Held constitutional in Holland v. State, 802 S.W.2d 696 (Tex. Crim. App.
1991).

Document Number: CS-0001043

Publication Type: Statutes

Database: US State Statute Series

Title: The Internet and Technology for the Human Services.

Author: Karger, H. J.; Levine, J.

Author Affiliation: Houston Univ., TX. Dept. of Social Work.

Source: New York, NY, Addison Wesley Longman, Inc., 1999; p. 14

Distributor: Addison Wesley Longman, Inc.; 1185 Avenue of the Americas, New York NY 10036; Tel: (212) 782-3300

Index Terms:
communication; mass media; social services; social workers; child welfare workers; confidentiality; computer programs; research

Abstract:
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the use of the Internet in human services. Part One outlines a brief history of the Internet and examines the ethical and legal implications of information policy. Part Two describes the practical application of the Internet for human service professionals, specifically for promoting informational and therapeutic resources, professional networking, on-line counseling and support groups, and research. Techniques for evaluating the reliability of Internet sources and World Wide Web sites are provided. Parts Three and Four focus on the steps for getting connected to the Internet and conducting searches, downloading files, and using electronic mail. The selection of an Internet Service Provider, operating systems and dialup software, and setting up a web browser are explained. The final section describes features such as plug-ins and add-ons, and web site design. A list of human service-related Internet sites is provided in theAppendix. Numerous references and figures.

Document Number: CD-33724

Publication Type: Book

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Recent Data on the Number of Adoptions of Foster Children.

Author: Maza, P. L

Author Affiliation: Children's Bureau (DHHS), Washington, DC.

Source: Adoption Quarterly; 3(2): pp. 71-81; Haworth Press, Inc., Binghamton, NY., 1999; p. 19

Internet URL: http://www.haworthpressinc.com

Distributor: Haworth Press, Inc.; 10 Alice St., Binghamton NY 13904-1580; Tel: (800) 342-9678; Fax: (800) 895-0582; E-mail: getinfo@haworthpressinc.com

Index Terms:
data collection; data analysis; vcis; foster care; statistics; trend analysis; public agency adoption; afcars

Abstract:
Based on earlier reports to the Voluntary Cooperative Information System, the Children's Bureau in the Department of Health and Human Services estimated that 20,000 final adoptions from public agencies would take place in fiscal year 1997. In fact, there were more than 31,000 finalized adoptions--50 percent higher than the estimate. This paper explores the reasons for the discrepancy. The methodology used to find the discrepancy involves data from the public foster care system reported by each state, noting that in the desire to create a relevant variable for base distribution, the actual number of foster care children in the system might vary substantially from the actual distribution of the variable. A second error was notedin the number of states reporting and the proportion they represented in the total number of adoptions. The initial hypothesis was that the differences could be accounted for primarily by under-reporting in recent years and to an actual increase in the number of adoptions. The authors suggest a third factor, utilizing a distribution as a basis for the estimate that did not reflect the current distribution of finalized adoptions. Conclusions suggest that as AFCARS data becomes more complete and of higher quality, the information about both foster care and adoption should become more useful and reliable. Three tables, two figures, 19 references.

Document Number: CD-33728

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Trends in the Well-Being of America's Children and Youth: 1999.

Institutional Author: Child Trends, Inc., Washington, DC; Urban Institute, Washington, DC.

Sponsor: Part 1 was produced by B. Brown and S. Vandivere, Child Trends, Inc., Washington, DC. Parts 2 and 3 were produced by L. D. Lindberg, S. Boggess, L. Porter, and S. Williams, Urban Institute, Washington, DC.

Source: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (DHHS), Washington, DC., 1999; p. 30

Internet URL: http://aspe.os.dhhs.gov

Distributor: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation; 200 Independence Ave. SW, Room 450G, Washington DC 20201; Tel: (202) 690-5938; Fax: (202) 690-5514

Index Terms:
u.s. department of health and human services; trends; well being; children; indicators; violence; data collection; data analysis

Abstract:
This is the fourth edition of an annual report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on trends in the well being of the nation's children and youth from the 1970s through the 1990s. It presents the most recent and reliable estimates on more than 90 indicators of well being, with the intention of providing the policy community, the media, and other interested parties with an overview of data. The indicators have been organized into five broad areas: population, family and neighborhood; economic security; health conditions and health care; social development, behavioral health, and teen fertility; and education and achievement. Graphics for each indicator highlights trends and important population subgroup differences. The final list of indicators was modified, and new indicators were added based on recommendations from staff of participating statistical agencies. Highlights of the report note a decrease in youth violence; a continued downward trend in adolescent pregnancies; an increase of median income for families with children; a decrease in the number of families with children receiving welfare payments; and an increase of single mothers in the workforce. The report notes that while available datahave increased, there remains major gaps in the federal statistical system that must be filled before a complete picture is presented. Numerous tables, figures, and references.

Document Number: CD-33738

Publication Type: Technical Report

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse.

Author: Gold, S. N.; Brown, L. S.

Author Affiliation: Nova Southeastern Univ., Fort Lauderdale, FL. Trauma Resolution Integration Program.

Source: In: Ammerman, R. T.; Hersen, M. (Editors). Assessment of Family Violence: A Clinical and Legal Sourcebook, Second Edition. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA., 1999; p. 181

Internet URL: http://www.josseybass.com

Distributor: Jossey-Bass; 350 Sansome St., San Francisco CA 94104; Tel: (800) 956-7739; (415) 433-1740; Fax: (800) 605-2665; (415) 433-0499; E-mail: webperson@jbp.com

Index Terms:
adults abused as children; sexual abuse; assessment; measures; sequelae; child abuse history; forensic psychiatry; legal processes

Abstract:
This chapter provides an introduction to considerations for assessing adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Evaluators are cautioned that the assessment of this population requires extensive specialized knowledge about psychological trauma, interpersonal violence and abuse, posttraumatic stress, and dissociative symptomatology. The chapter reviews general aspects of assessment of adult survivors, including establishing rapport and maintaining conceptual clarity. Strategies for assessing current difficulties, dysfunctional coping strategies, abuse history, the context of the childhood sexual abuse, and the strengths and resources of survivors are also discussed. In addition to these areas addressed by clinical assessors, forensic evaluators must also investigate groups for civil liability and the reliability of the survivor's testimony. They must find evidence to confirm or refute the survivor's report from reports of covictims, autobiographical material by the survivor during the time of the abuse, school and childhood medical records, reports of peers of the survivor, and sexual history of the alleged perpetrator. Sources of possible contamination of the survivor's memory must also be identified, including the circumstances of delayed recall. A case study is presented in the chapter to illustrate assessment issues.

Document Number: CD-33644

Publication Type: Chapter in Book

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Risk Assessment in Child Protective Services: Consensus and Actuarial Model Reliability.

Author: Baird, C.; Wagner, D.; Healy, T.; Johnson, K.

Author Affiliation: National Council on Crime and Delinquency, Madison, WI. Children's Research Center.

Sponsor: National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (DHHS), Washington, DC.

Grant Number: 90CA1550

Source: Child Welfare; 78(6): pp. 723-748; Child Welfare League of America, Inc., Washington, DC., November-December 1999; p. 328

Distributor: Christopher Baird; National Council on Crime and Delinquency; Children's Research Center; 426 S. Yellowstone Dr., Suite 250, Madison WI 53719

Index Terms:
child protective services; risk assessment; models; reliability; child welfare research; decision making; measures; risk factors

Abstract:
This NCCAN-funded study examined the reliability of three widely used child protective service risk assessment models (two consensus based, one actuarial). Trained case readers reviewed a sample of 80 cases and completed a risk assessment for each one. The risk assessment instruments were compared for interrater reliability using percent agreement and Cohen s kappa, which adjusted agreement rates for chance. Although no system approached 100 percent interrater reliability, raters employing the actuarial model made consistent estimates of risk for a high percentage of the cases they assessed, and interrater reliability for the actuarial model was much higher than that of the other systems. 30 references and 4 figures. (Author abstract modified)

Document Number: CD-33898

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Research Productivity in the Areas of Child Abuse and Domestic Violence.

Author: Gordon, R. A.; Holmes, M.; Maly, C.

Author Affiliation: Minnesota Univ., Duluth. Dept. of Psychology.

Source: Psychological Reports; 84(3): pp. 887-898; Psycholgocial Reports, Missoula, MT., June 1999; p. 564

Distributor: Randall A. Gordon; Department of Psychology; Minnesota Univ.; 336 Bohannon Hall; 10 University Dr., Duluth MN 55812-2496; E-mail: rgordon@d.umn.edu

Index Terms:
research needs; child abuse research; research reviews; spouse abuse; research methodology; validity; reliability; measures

Abstract:
Research productivity in the areas of child abuse and domestic violence was reviewed for the years 1990-1996 by examining articles published in Child Abuse and Neglect, the Journal of Family Violence, and the Journal of Interpersonal +; Violence. To examine productivity across institutions, quantification of productivity was based on ordinal position of authorship as previously used. Productivity across these three journals was also summed based on the 1987 composite productivity index +; formula of Howard, et al., and the data were compared with a productivity assessment based on a search process on the PsycLIT database. Rand order correlations between the raw productivity total, the composite measure, and productivity based on +; first-authored publications in PsycLIT were all significant. The findings suggest that the composite measure represents a good estimate of productivity across the three journals and that publication in these three journals provides a good representation +; of research in the general areas of child abuse and domestic and interpersonal violence. The findings, along with implications regarding the relative utility of such information for selection of graduate programs that have a strong research focus on +; child abuse or domestic violence, are discussed. 19 references and 4 tables. (Author abstract)

Document Number: CD-33959

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Workaholic Children: One Method of Fulfilling the Parentification Role.

Author: Robinson, B. E.

Author Affiliation: North Carolina Univ., Charlotte. Coll. of Education.

Source: In: Chase, N. D. (Editor). Burdened Children: Theory, Research, and Treatment of Parentification. Sage Publications, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA., June 1999; p. 638

Internet URL: http://www.sagepub.com/

Distributor: Sage Publications, Inc.; 2455 Teller Rd., Thousand Oaks CA 91320; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 805-499-0871; E-mail: order@sagepub.com

Index Terms:
child behavior; role reversal; etiology; personality development; personality patterns; parents role; stress; psychological theories

Abstract:
Parentification, or the assumption of adult responsibilities by children, can lead to workaholism in children and adults. Workaholism is considered in the research literature to be one type of overly functioning child behavior. Typical characteristics of workaholic children include: more time spent on school work than recreation; greater preference for adult friends than peer relationships; stress-related health problems; adult responsibilities for household tasks; perfectionism; serious attitude; above average leadership skills; compulsive overachievement in all activities; intolerance for mistakes; and resists requesting assistance. This chapter proposes a family systems approach for understanding how family dysfunction leads to addictive behaviors, including workaholism, as well as drug addiction and co-dependency. Children who are forced by family circumstances to take on adult responsibilities turn to the security of work (household, school, church) to cope with their emotional stress. Workaholism is passed onto subsequent generations as the children of work addicted parents take over their parents' responsibilities in the home while they work. Practitioners should be aware that a child's appearance of resiliency and self-reliance may be covering up feelings of anxiety and depression. Over-functioning behaviors can be mitigated by unconditional support from parents, teachers, and other adults, non-competitive activities, and stress management techniques. Areas for further research are suggested in the chapter. 68 references, 3 figures, and 1 table.

Document Number: CD-34100

Publication Type: Chapter in Book

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: The Home Inventory of Dangers and Safety Precautions-2: Addressing Critical Needs for Prescriptive Assessment Devices in Child Maltreatment and Healthcare.

Author: Tymchuk, A. J.; Lang, C. M.; Dolyniuk, C. A.; Berney-Ficklin, K.; Spitz, R.

Author Affiliation: California Univ. School of Medicine, Los Angeles. Dept. of Psychiatry.

Source: Child Abuse and Neglect; 23(1): pp. 1-14; Oxford (Great Britain), Elsevier Science, Ltd., January 1999

Distributor: Alexander J. Tymchuk; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCLA 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1759

Index Terms:
measures; assessment; validity; research; home environment; home evaluation

Abstract:
This paper describes the development and preliminary validation of a prescriptive home danger and safety precaution instrument containing 14 epidemiological categories to be used in the design and evaluation of family-tailored injury prevention and safety interventions. The Home Inventory of Dangers and Safety Precautions-2 (HIDSP-2) evolved from application and revision of the previous home danger and safety precaution recognition and observation instruments. As part of this process, the suitability of the HIDSP-2 for use in a broad-based trial was evaluated with 29 low income parents exhibiting individual learning needs. Inter rater reliability and stability of scores were examined. Internal consistency was examined for total dangers and precautions and for those categories in which there were sufficient items to do so. Administrative time was reduced while continuing usefulness in the identification and remediation of dangers and implementation of precautions was demonstrated. Stability of observation was high. Alphas as a measure of internal consistency was satisfactory for total danger and precautions separately; however, scores for most individual categories were low. There was significant reduction in the number of dangers identified initially and significant improvement in the safety precautions implemented. The HIDSP-2 can assist healthcare, education, disability, and child protective service workers in the development of home safety plans for remediating home dangers and implementing precautions. While this instrument is eminently suitable for use in broad-based interventions and in epidemiological studies, further research must continue to examine the psychometric characteristics of the individual danger and precaution categories. 61 references and 3 tables. (Author abstract)

Document Number: CD-27504

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: A New Measure for Distress During Child Sexual Abuse Examinatons: The Genital Examination Distress Scale.

Author: Gully, K. J.; Britton, H.; Hansen, K.; Goodwill, K.; Nope, J. L.

Author Affiliation: Primary Children's Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT.

Source: Child Abuse and Neglect; 23(1): pp. 61-70; Oxford (Great Britain), Elsevier Science, Ltd., January 1999

Distributor: Kevin J. Gully; Child Protection Team Primary Children's Medical Center at Wasatch Canyons Campus Building C, 5770 S. 1500 W., Salt Lake City, UT 84123

Index Terms:
sexual abuse; measures; child abuse research; rating scales; validity; physical examinations; genital injuries

Abstract:
The primary aim of this study was to develop a simple scale to quantify indices of emotional distress during the rectal- genital (anogenital) phase of a child sexual abuse examination. A scale developed to measure reactions of children to painful procedures, in particular bone marrow aspirations, was used as a model (Elliot, Jay, & Woody, 1987). This new scale was designed to have a simplified rating format, more relevant operational definitions and possibly a different set of behavioral categories. Three hundred children being examined for possible child sexual abuse were used as a test group for the Genital Examination Scale. Intraclass correlation coefficients identified reliable items to use. Factor analysis and Cronbach alpha were employed to understand the internal structure of the scale. Paired t-tests, Pearson correlations, and hierarchical regression were used to explore validity. A simple 7-item scale was developed along with two subscales representing agitated and verbally meditated distress. Ratings of distress were significantly greater during the anogenital phase than the general physical part of the examination. Increased distress was associated with positive physical findings. Ratings by the children that they disliked the physician looking at their bodies provided discriminant validity by correlating with increased scores for emotional distress during the anogenital segment of the examination. 20 references and 3 tables. (Author abstract)

Document Number: CD-27512

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: The Child Molester Empathy Measure: Description and Examination of Its Reliability and Validity.

Author: Fernandez, Y. M.; Marshall, W. L.; Lightbody, S.; O'Sullivan, C.

Author Affiliation: Queen's Univ., Kingston, ON (Canada). Dept. of Psychology.

Source: Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment; 11(1): pp. 17-31; New York, NY, Plenum Publishing Corp., January 1999

Internet URL: http://www.plenum.com

Distributor: Plenum Publishing Corp.; 233 Spring St., New York, NY 10013; Tel: (800) 221-9369; Fax: (212) 807-1047; E-mail: info@plenum.com

Index Terms:
sex offenders; child abuse research; assessment; measures; reliability

Abstract:
The purpose of the two studies presented in this article was to develop and refine a measure of victim empathy for the assessment of child molesters. In the first study, 61 nonfamilial child molesters completed the Child Molester Empathy Measure (CMEM), a questionnaire designed for this study. The measure assessed empathy in three contexts: a child who was in a motor vehicle accident and was disfigured; a child who had been sexually molested by an unknown assailant over a period of time; and the offender's own victim(s). Results indicated that the measure was both internally reliable and produced stable responses over time (test-retest reliability). The results also indicated a relative deficit in empathy toward the offender's own victim(s). The goal of the second study was to replicate the data obtained in the first study and compare child molesters' responses with the responses of a group of nonoffenders. Twenty-nine child molesters and 36 community males (nonoffenders) completed the questionnaire. This study also confirmed the internal reliability and test-retest reliability of the CMEM. The discriminant validity of the measure was supported by the child molesters' demonstrated relative deficiency in empathy toward an unknown offender's victim of sexual abuse. However, the child molesters displayed equal empathy toward the accident victim relative to nonoffenders. Additionally, the child molesters displayed significantly less empathy toward their own victims than toward the general sexual abuse victim. The results are discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical implications. 13 references and 2 tables. (Author abstract modified)

Document Number: CD-27540

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Validation of the Trauma Symptom Inventory in a Canadian Sample of University Women.

Author: Runtz, M. G.; Roche, D. N.

Author Affiliation: Vitoria Univ., British Columbia (Canada). Dept. of Psychology.

Source: Child Maltreatment; 4(1): pp. 69-80; Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc., February 1999

Distributor: Marsha G. Runtz; Department of Psychology P. O. Box 3050 University of Victoria; E-mail: runtz@uvic.ca

Index Terms:
child abuse history; research; trauma; canada

Abstract:
This study uses as sample of 775 women from a medium-sized Canadian university to assess the reliability and validity of the Trauma Symptom Inventory. It assesses the relationship between two forms of child abuse and scores on the inventory and also presents reliability and validity data of the inventory for this sample. Participants completed the inventory along with assessments of childhood sexual abuse and physical abuse and a number of other psychological and behavioral measures. Multivariate analyses determined that women with a history of either sexual abuse or child abuse had significantly higher scores on the inventory than did non- abused women. Similarly, indicators of greater severity of abuse were predictive of higher symptom scores. Normative data derived from this sample are provided, and evidence of the reliability and validity of the inventory for the assessment of trauma-related difficulties in these students are described. 5 tables, 8 notes, 19 references. (Author abstract modified.)

Document Number: CD-27553

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Child Neglect in the Family Context: Challenges and Opportunities for Management in Pediatric Settings.

Author: Drotar, D.

Author Affiliation: Case Western Reserve Univ., Cleveland, OH. School of Medicine.

Source: Children's Health Care; 28(2): pp. 109-121; Mahwah, NJ, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., Spring 1999

Distributor: Dennis Drotar; Department of Pediatrics Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106-6038

Index Terms:
child neglect; medical treatment; pediatricians responsibility; pediatricians role; assessment; intervention strategies; prevention; research needs

Abstract:
Pediatric populations who have experienced deficient parental care are at significant risk for various psychological and health problems. Practitioners' abilities to institute effective assessments and interventions for these children and their families are limited by the difficulties of defining child neglect, lack of reliable and valid assessment methods, and limited empirical data concerning intervention, especially prevention. Research and practice for neglected children and their families would be enhanced by developing methods to identify and describe deficient care using clear guidelines and normative standards, conceptual models to guide assessment and intervention, new models of intervention involving partnerships between hospital and community-based agencies, and advocacy for services and research. 60 references. (Author abstract)

Document Number: CD-27972

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: The Psychological Assessment of Abused and Traumatized Children.

Author: Kelly, F. D.

Author Affiliation: Franklin Medical Center, Greenfield, MA.

Source: Mahwah, NJ, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., Publishers, 1999; 276 pp.

Internet URL: http://www.erlbaum.com

Distributor: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.; 10 Industrial Dr., Mahwah, NJ 07430-2262; Tel: (800) 926-6579; (201) 236-9500; E-mail: orders@erlbaum.com

Index Terms:
sequelae; personality assessment; trauma; clinical intervention; diagnostic tests; psychological tests

Abstract:
This book provides a clinical paradigm for the personality assessment of abused or traumatized children via projective instruments--the TAT and Rorschach--and shows how various projective measures and indices can be utilized as barometers of changes in self, object, and ego functioning following therapeutic interventions and other corrective experiences. By integrating the tenets of trauma theory with those of psychoanalytic theory, the author draws on both theory and clinical experience to develop a comprehensive psychological composite of the child who has been maltreated. The first part of the text gives an overview of theoretical models relevant to the assessment and diagnosis of the maltreated child. The second part of the text reviews relevant research. The Mutuality of Autonomy scale (MOA) and the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale (SCORS) are introduced as examples of reliable and valid instruments readily employed to assess the impact of abuse or trauma on a child's object relations functioning. The final part of the text includes a variety of clinical illustrations including 7 cases of children subjected to varying degrees of abuse and trauma and 2 cases of adult women who were abused as children. The book is composed of 9 chapters and the author states that his intent is to offer clinicians new theoretical and clinical perspectives and lead them to a greater appreciation of the role that projective assessment, particularly object relations measures, can play in the understanding of abused and traumatized latency age children and the treatment planning for them. Numerous tables and references.

Document Number: CD-28136

Publication Type: Book

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: A Child Interviewer's Guidebook.

Author: Bourg, W.; Broderick, R.; Flagor, R.; Kelly, D. M. et al.

Author Affiliation: C.A.R.E.S. Northwest Program, OR.

Source: Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc., February 1999; 267 pp.

Internet URL: http://www.sagepub.com/

Distributor: Sage Publications, Inc.; 2455 Teller Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91320; Tel: (805) 499-0721; Fax: (805) 499-0871; E-mail: order@sagepub.com

Index Terms:
interviews; evaluation; oregon; documentation; sexual abuse; guidelines

Abstract:
This guidebook was originally developed in Oregon at the request of the Health Advisory Council on Child Abuse. The Health Advisory Council requested that the guidelines be written to provide interviewers with a clear, accessible summary of accumulated knowledge in the field of child interviewing. The guidebook promotes consistency in the quality of care provided to children when they are evaluated for possible abuse. The guidelines are part of a training package designed to provide child abuse evaluators with essential educational resources and are intended for use among professionals working in child abuse assessment centers. The recommendations are tailored to child evaluations that concentrate on eliciting reliable statements about possible abuse and maximizing the amount of information gained from the child, given the chid's age, circumstances, and readiness to talk. Although the guidelines focus on child sexual abuse, the principles are applicable to conversing and interviewing children about physical abuse as well as exposure to any risk factor, including domestic violence, parental drug and alcohol abuse, neglect, and witnessing a crime. The guidebook is divided into 19 chapters with 3 sections: getting ready for the child interview, basic interviewing skills, and specialty issues. Appendices contain the following information: core literature for child interviewers; C.A.R.E.S. (Child Abuse Response and Evaluation Services) Northwest Program social history questionnaire; sources for dolls and drawings; and C.A.R.E.S. protective order. Numerous references.

Document Number: CD-28169

Publication Type: Book

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Decision Making in Child Protective Services.

Author: Grayson, J. (Editor).; McNulty, C. (Editor).

Author Affiliation: James Madison Univ., Harrisonburg, VA. Dept. of Psychology.

Sponsor: Virginia State Dept. of Social Services, Richmond. Child Protective Services Unit.

Source: Virginia Child Protection Newsletter; 55: pp. 1-7, 11-13; James Madison Univ., Harrisonburg, VA. Dept. of Psychology, Spring 1999

Internet URL: http://cep.jmu.edu/graysojh/vcpn_home.htm

Distributor: Joann Grayson; James Madison Univ. Department of Psychology MSC 7401 800 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22807; Tel: (540) 568-6482; E-mail: graysojh@jmu.edu

Index Terms:
decision making; child protective services; child abuse reporting; child welfare; risk assessment; safety assessment

Abstract:
This newsletter article reviews decision making in child protective services. The process of decision making in the child welfare system is of great interest because inappropriate decisions can be costly. Ignoring the need for child protection can result in death or permanent injury for a child. However, separating a child from his or her family unnecessarily can be traumatic. Decision making is evaluated by consistency (reliability) and accuracy (validity). Both are necessary in case decision making. The article reviews both these aspects in decision making. One of the more important decision making points occurs at the time that a report has been made. Several factors influence whether a report of maltreatment is investigated. These include: the amount of information available, the presence of an observable injury, the number of prior reports, the child's age, and the source of the referral. Risk assessment and determining the safety of the home should occur continuously in the course of the a case. The article discusses factors to consider in evaluating safety. Other child protective service decisions include the decision to remove a child from the home, decisions related to substantiation, opening cases for service, identifying family strengths and needs, developing a service plan, assessing change, and closing the case. Some of the changes implemented by States since the beginning of structured risk assessment and decision making are highlighted. Safety assessment instruments and models are described. The challenges of implementing risk assessment models are discussed. Many child protective services workers do not use risk assessment as a guide for making decisions; instead, they see the risk assessment as another form to complete. The article concludes that structured risk assessment systems are promising tools to assist child protective services workers in making difficult decisions. The potential benefits include more consistent decisions and better allocation of resources. Numerous references.

Document Number: CD-28288

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: The CIVITAS-Children's Crisis Care Center Model: A Proactive, Multidimensional Child and Family Assessment Process.

Author: Perry, B. D.; Conrad, D. J.; Dobson, C.; Schick, S.; Runyan, D.

Author Affiliation: Baylor Coll. of Medicine, Houston, TX. Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Source: Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX. CIVITAS Child Trauma Programs, 1999; 23 pp.

Internet URL: http://www.bcm.tmc.edu

Distributor: Baylor Coll. of Medicine; CIVITAS Child Trauma Programs One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030; Tel: (713) 798-4951

Index Terms:
assessment; program models; children at risk; child protective services; early intervention programs; interdisciplinary approach; interagency collaboration; systems reform

Abstract:
This paper describes the development of the Children's Crisis Care Center (CCCC), an early assessment program to inform placement and service plans, co-sponsored by the Harris County (Texas) Child Protective Service, the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, and the Child Trauma Programs of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. The multidisciplinary assessment process is a proactive model that evaluates all levels of functioning of children younger than six years old. Valid and reliable quantitative measures are compiled into a standardized report which can by disseminated quickly for decision-making. A follow-up assessment is also conducted to determine the appropriateness of the placement and services provided. The results are used to continuously improve programming. Six domains are specifically addressed: physical- medical; family-social; life history and traumatic life events; emotional-behavioral; cognitive-academic; and developmental. The child's strengths and weaknesses are compiled into a report that includes the clinician's recommendations for service. CCCC staff analyzes the child's report in light of a separate assessment of the family structure and history and makes decisions about services. A review of the pilot project indicated that the process helped to improve the coordination and consistency of services to children and expedite placement. Implications for program expansion and replication are discussed. 36 references, 2 figures, and 5 tables.

Document Number: CD-28401

Publication Type: Technical Report

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Childhood Sexual Abuse: An Evidence Based Perspective.

Author: Fergusson, D. M.; Mullen, P. E.

Author Affiliation: Christchurch School of Medicine (New Zealand).

Source: Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc., February 1999; 145 pp.

Internet URL: http://www.sagepub.com/

Distributor: Sage Publications, Inc.; 2455 Teller Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91320; Tel: (805) 499-0721; Fax: (805) 499-0871; E-mail: order@sagepub.com

Index Terms:
sexual abuse; victims; sequelae; prevalence; historical perspective; perpetrators; characteristics of abused; child abuse history

Abstract:
This book examines the scope, nature, and effects of child sexual abuse. Chapter 1 provides a historical perspective on child sexual abuse. Included is a discussion on the epidemiological research into child sexual abuse. Chapter 2 discusses the prevalence of sexual abuse during childhood. Issues include validity, reliability, and measurement. Chapter 3 examines victims and perpetrators. Characteristics of abused children and of molesters are discussed. Chapter 4 discusses the effects of childhood sexual abuse on children and chapter 5 examines the effects on adults. Chapter 6 provides conclusions, current controversies, and future directions. Future directions include the need to clarify the definition and meaning of child sexual abuse and the need for a clearer understanding of the meaning and validity of recalled childhood experiences. Numerous references and 8 tables.

Document Number: CD-28473

Publication Type: Book

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Psychiatric Hospital Service Utilization of Children and Adolescents in State Custody.

Author: Leon, S. C.; Uziel-Miller, N. D.; Lyons, J. S,.; Tracy, P.

Author Affiliation: Northwestern Univ. Medical School, Chicago, IL. Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; 38(3): pp. 305-310; American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Washington, DC, March 1999

Distributor: Scott C. Leon; Northwestern Univ. Medical School Ward Building 9-217 303 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611; E-mail: sleon@nwu.edu

Index Terms:
psychiatric hospitals; psychiatric services; hospitalization; illinois

Abstract:
This article examines the factors related to psychiatric hospitalization decision and length of stay of wards of the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services. A prospective design was implemented using Childhood Severity of Psychiatric Illness (CSPI), a reliable, quantitative measure of psychiatric severity and its mediating factors. The CSPI was completed by hospital screeners upon conclusion of their crisis interviews. In addition to completing the CSPI, workers reported on demographic information, DSM-IV diagnoses, prescreening living arrangements, and length of hospital stay. CSPI variables could effectively predict decision to admit versus deflect. The overall accuracy of this statistically significant prediction model was 77.9 percent, which was replicated on a new sample. Factors associated with decision to hospitalize are clinical in nature; ratings of suicidality, dangerousness, and impulsivity contributed the most to the model. Predicting length of stay was only moderately successful. Despite achieving significance, the model accounted for just 15.1 percent of length of stay variance using a multiple regression. Factors associated with length of stay were largely non-clinical in nature; living arrangement stability, region of the hospitalization, and age. These results can be used to assess how decisions regarding level and duration of care are currently being made as a point of departure for quality improvement efforts. 20 references and 3 tables. (Author abstract modified)

Document Number: CD-28478

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Childhood Victimization and the Development of Personality Disorders: Unanswered Questions Remain.

Author: Widom, C. S.

Author Affiliation: New York State Univ., Albany. School of Criminal Justice.

Source: Archives of General Psychiatry; 56(7): pp. 607-608; Chicago, IL, American Medical Association, July 1999

Internet URL: http://www.ama-assn.org

Distributor: American Medical Association; 250 S. Wacker Dr., Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60606; Tel: (800) 621-8335; Fax: (312) 464-5600; E-mail: info@ama-assn.org

Index Terms:
victimization; personality disorders; neglected children; longitudinal studies; outcomes; sexual abuse; physical abuse; adults abused as children

Abstract:
This article comments on a longitudinal study demonstrating that abused and neglected children are more likely than nonvictims to develop personality disorders in young adulthood. This article discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the longitudinal study and notes that it raises important questions that await answers. The article cites one of the study's strengths as examining the neglected group separately from the other forms of childhood abuse. Neglected children were found to be at increased risk for cluster B disorders (antisocial, borderline, and narcissistic personality disorders), as well as cluster A (paranoid and schizotypal personality disorders), cluster C (avoidant and dependent personality disorders), and passive-aggressive personality disorders, after controlling for offspring age, parental education, and parental psychopathology. The longitudinal study found an increase in risk for borderline personality disorders associated with sexual abuse. This finding brings up a question about the role of gender and its potential effect on the development of personality disorders. This article notes that one of the weaker aspects of the study is its reliance on retrospective assessments of earlier child maltreatment. The article also discusses the study finding of little overlap between documented and self-reported cases of childhood maltreatment. Finally, this article questions to what extent do the cases in the study represent pure types of physical and sexual abuse and neglect or to what extent is their overlap. Because there is considerable discussion in the childhood maltreatment literature about the possibility of differential outcomes associated with single versus multiple forms of childhood victimization, it might be worthwhile considering additional analyses to explore this issue further. This article concludes that the longitudinal study demonstrates the importance of these early childhood victimization experiences for the development of personality disorders, although many unanswered questions remain. 13 references.

Document Number: CD-28557

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Recurrence of Maltreatment: An Application of the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS).

Author: Fluke, J. D.; Yuan, Y. Y. T.; Edwards, M.

Author Affiliation: American Humane Association, Englewood, CO. Children's Div.

Source: Child Abuse and Neglect; 23(7): pp. 633-650; New York, NY, Elsevier Science Ltd., July 1999

Internet URL: http://www.americanhumane.org

Distributor: John D. Fluke; American Humane Association Children's Div. 63 Inverness Dr., E., Englewood, CO 80112-5117; Tel: (303) 792-9900; Fax: (303) 792-5333; E-mail: cpmem@americanhumane.org

Index Terms:
outcomes; risk assessment; ncands; databases; data analysis; reabuse; children at risk

Abstract:
This research describes and compares patterns of maltreatment recurrence across multiple States using large samples to confirm the patterns of recurrence found in the literature, and to explore unreported patterns of recurrence. Recurrence is defined as any subsequent report of maltreatment; any subsequent maltreatment of the same child, of another child within the family, or by the same perpetrator; or even recurrence of maltreatment without a prior report; and recurrence may be a combination of these definitions. A recurrence data set for calendar years 1994 and 1995 was constructed from the multi-State case level data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System. These data are available for 10 States and included a range from 2,419 to 99,288 substantiated or indicated report-child pairs per State. A common set of data constructs lent consistency to data construction and analysis, while preserving differences in policy. Event history analysis (survival) techniques were used. Single site studies were confirmed across the 10 States. These include the patterns where neglect is most likely to recur, followed by physical abuse and then sexual abuse. Similarly, younger children are more likely to recur. A finding of the analysis is that the likelihood of recurrence increases in a systematic and consistent fashion based upon the sequential ordering of recurrent maltreatment events. The likelihood of recurrence is associated with the provision of post-investigative services. Highly consistent patterns of recurrence were observed across States. Children experiencing multiple recurrence compared to no recurrence or one recurrence may represent a special at-risk population requiring additional research. Adequate baselines and an understanding of recurrence is needed when considering recurrence as an outcome indicator or in developing risk assessment tools. Important recurrence patterns may be difficult to detect reliably with relatively small samples. 4 tables, 6 figures, and numerous references. (Author abstract modified)

Document Number: CD-28622

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Predicting Child Maltreatment Recurrences During Treatment.

Author: DePanfilis, D.; Zuravin, S. J.

Author Affiliation: Maryland Univ., Baltimore. School of Social Work.

Sponsor: National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (DHHS), Washington, DC.

Grant Number: 90CA1497

Source: Child Abuse and Neglect; 23(8): pp. 729-743; New York, NY, Elsevier Ltd., August 1999

Distributor: Diane DePanfilis; Maryland Univ. School of Social Work 525 W. Redwood St., Baltimore, MD 21201

Index Terms:
predictor variables; recidivism; child abuse research; therapeutic intervention; intervention strategies; child protective services; family characteristics; characteristics of abused

Abstract:
This NCCAN-funded study investigated the correlates of recurrence during child protective service (CPS) intervention for families who were provided continuing intervention following a confirmed index report of physical abuse or neglect. The nonconcurrent prospective study selected 446 subject families who met study eligibility requirements from 1,181 families randomly selected from the 2,902 families who had experienced a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect during the sampling year. Data were collected and coded from archival sources for 5 years following the index report. Each record was coded by two research analysts to increase inter-rater reliability. Data were analyzed with survival analysis methods: Kaplan Meier and the Cox Proportional Regression Model. Predictors of recurrence were child vulnerability, family stress, partner abuse, social support deficits, and an interaction between family stress and social support deficits. Implications of this and earlier research suggest that increasing social supports may help families cope with life events that increase stress and the risk of continued child maltreatment; that collaborations between CPS and domestic violence agencies are needed; and that screening maltreated children for mental health problems and other disabilities and assuring that children with these needs and their families get effective treatment may reduce the likelihood of continued maltreatment. 43 references and 3 tables. (Author abstract)

Document Number: CD-28655

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Genital Findings in Prepubertal Girls Evaluated for Sexual Abuse: A Different Perspective on Hymenal Measurements.

Author: Pugno, P. A.

Author Affiliation: Methodist Hospital of Sacramento, CA. Family Practice Residency Program.

Source: Archives of Family Medicine; 8: pp. 403-406; American Medical Association, Chicago, IL., September-October 1999

Internet URL: http://www.ama-assn.org/public/journals/fami/famihome.htm

Distributor: American Medical Association; 515 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610; Tel: (800) 262-2350; (312) 464-5000; Fax: (312) 464-5831

Index Terms:
sexual abuse; physical examinations; symptoms; diagnoses; genital injuries; medical evidence; reliability; sequelae

Abstract:
Transhymenal measurements performed on 1,058 prepubertal girls aged 6 months to 10 years were compared to evaluate the usefulness of the measurement for differentiating between girls with and without other definitive signs of sexual abuse. Measurements were referenced against prior publications of criterion standards. Girls with no definitive signs of genital trauma exhibited a mean transhymenal diameter of 2.3 mm and in general showed an increase of approximately 1 mm per year of age. Girls with definitive signs of genital trauma exhibited a mean transhymenal diameter of 9.0 mm and no significant variance with age. Correcting for age differences, the transhymenal diameter was highly significant as a differentiating factor. When compared against the criterion standard, the transhymenal measurement is 99 percent specific and 79 percent sensitive as a screening tool. Although not independently diagnostic of sexual molestation, the transhymenal diameter, when compared against the criterion standard for age, is a useful screening parameter for primary care physicians evaluating children for potential sexual abuse. 28 references, 3 figures, and 1 table. (Author abstract)

Document Number: CD-32485

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Response to Clare Dalton's When Paradigms Collide: Protecting Battered Parents and Their Children in the Family Court System.

Author: Johnston, J. R.

Author Affiliation: San Jose State Univ., CA. Administration of Justice Dept.

Source: Family and Conciliation Courts Review; 37(4): pp. 422-428; Sage Publications, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA., October 1999

Internet URL: http://www.sagepub.com/

Distributor: Sage Publications, Inc.; 2455 Teller Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91320; Tel: (805) 499-9774; Fax: (805) 499-0871; E-mail: order@sagepub.com

Index Terms:
family courts; battered women; custody disputes; family characteristics; research methodology; child witnesses of family violence; sequelae; reliability

Abstract:
The methodology and findings of two research studies cited in Clare Dalton's article When Paradigms Collide published in a previous issue of the journal are defended in this article. The studies have been misunderstood by Dalton, as well as other researchers. Both studies examined the effects of domestic violence on children and the outcomes of counseling for parents. The first interviewed 80 families from 1982 to 1984 and the second interviewed 60 families from 1989 to 1991. Contrary to Dalton's assertion that couples were categorized into one of several predetermined types which were not assessed for accuracy, the typology was continually adjusted to reflect the data being collected. Dalton's second concern was that the researchers had no guidelines for finding the truth when parents gave conflicting reports of incidents. In fact, statistical analyses of discrepancies were performed and parents' reports were compared for comprehensiveness, specificity, plausibility, consistency, attitudes, and evidence. Dalton also claims that research about forms of domestic violence focus on conflict, rather than abuse. However, the two are linked especially in cases of male controlling violence. Limitations of typologies are outlined. 11 references.

Document Number: CD-32493

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Psychological Consultation in Parental Rights Cases.

Author: Dyer, F. J.

Source: Guilford Press, New York, NY., July 1999; 320 pp.

Internet URL: http://www.guilford.com

Distributor: Guilford Press; 72 Spring St., New York, NY 10012; Tel: (800) 365-7006; (212) 431-9800; Fax: (212) 966-6708; E-mail: info@guilford.com

Index Terms:
parental rights; termination of parental rights; expert witnesses; psychologists; psychologists role; legal processes; guidelines; ethics

Abstract:
Guidelines for providing scientifically reliable psychological testimony in parental rights cases are provided in this text. The discussion reviews the role of the psychologist in termination proceedings and explores relevant legal and ethical issues. Chapters summarize statutory and case laws regarding the testimony of psychologists, assessment procedures, special situations, theories, and empirical research. Standards for objective and projective tests in court, voir dire, testimony preparation, and direct and cross-examination are highlighted. The final chapter makes recommendations for responding to typical issues addressed during cross-examination. Sample cases are analyzed in the appendix. Numerous references and 1 figure.

Document Number: CD-32502

Publication Type: Book

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Promoting Safe Educational and Community Environments.

Author: Johnson, D. W.; Johnson, R. T.

Author Affiliation: Minnesota Univ., Minneapolis. Dept. of Educational Psychology.

Source: In: Reynolds, A. J.; Walberg, H. J.; and Weissberg, R. P. (Editors). Promoting Positive Outcomes. //Issues in Children's and Families' Lives//. Number 2. Child Welfare League of America, Inc., Washington, DC., 1999; pp.161-196

Internet URL: http://www.cwla.org

Distributor: CWLA c/o PMDS; P. O. Box 2019, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-2019; Tel: (800) 407-6273; Fax: (301) 206-9789; E-mail: cwla@pmds.com

Index Terms:
safety; family environment; community violence; community characteristics; school violence; schools; child development; prevention programs

Abstract:
Cooperative community, constructive conflict resolution, and civic values are vital to the health and positive development of children. The school is a natural environment in which to provide these influences which will prevent criminal and deviant behavior and counteract the effects of abuse and negative role models in the community and the family. The Three Cs Program has been used widely all over the world with all types of students in a variety of situations. It emphasizes the positive development of youth using concepts such as the power of cooperation, social interdependence, cooperative learning, problem solving negotiations, peer mediation, continuous training, and acceptance of the common good. Students learn about these issues through a carefully constructed curriculum that progresses through each grade. Communities and schools considering replication of the program are advised to cooperatively structure learning projects; reduce reliance on competitive activities; conduct regular class meetings to solicit student input; encourage positive, open relationships between students; refer to conflict resolution and civic value lessons when teaching academic subjects; and promote cooperation between classes and schools, and schools and parents. 20 references, 1 figure, and 2 tables.

Document Number: CD-32523

Publication Type: Chapter in Book

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: The Comprehensive Childhood Maltreatment Inventory: Early Development and Reliability Analyses.

Author: Riddle, K. P.; Aponte, J. F.

Author Affiliation: Louisville Univ., KY. Psychology Dept.

Source: Child Abuse and Neglect; 23(11): pp. 1103-1115; Elsevier Science Ltd., New York, NY., November 1999

Distributor: Kathryn P. Riddle; Louisville Univ. Psychology Dept., Louisville, KY 40292; E-mail: Kpriddle22@aol.com

Index Terms:
adults abused as children; measures; assessment; reliability; validity; sequelae; predictor variables; parental behavior

Abstract:
The goal of this study was to develop a reliable measure of childhood maltreatment that could be used to evaluate retrospective memories among adults across a broad range of potentially abusive caregiver behaviors. These behaviors were organized into 31 items that query age at onset, frequency across 4 developmental periods, relationships of the perpetrator(s), and respondents' perception of the experience. Additional factors directly relevant to each of the individual 4 categories of childhood maltreatment were also queried. Preliminary data collected from 95 college students find the measure to have excellent test-retest reliability, and 2 of 4 subscales to possess adequate internal consistency. Reasons for low internal consistency for the Physical Maltreatment and Physical Neglect categories and the relative importance of test- retest reliability as compared to internal consistency in a questionnaire of this type are discussed. 48 references and 3 tables. (Author abstract)

Document Number: CD-32619

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: A Description of the California Child Welfare Services Structured Decision-Making Project.

Author: Johnson, W.; Scott, R.

Author Affiliation: California State Dept. of Social Services, Sacramento.

Source: In: Twelfth National Roundtable on Child Protective Services Risk Assessment: Summary of Proceedings, San Francisco, CA, July 8-10, 1998. American Humane Association, Englewood, CO. Children's Div., 1999; pp. 37-42

Internet URL: http://www.americanhumane.org

Distributor: American Humane Association; Children's Div. Dept. Number 0828, Denver, CO 80263-0828; Tel: (303) 792-9900; Fax: (303) 792-5333; E-mail: children@americanhumane.org

Index Terms:
california; decision making; risk assessment; child welfare; pilot programs; outcomes

Abstract:
This paper describes the California Child Welfare Services Structured Decision-Making (SDM) pilot program. It is designed to aid child welfare professionals in their efforts to protect children. SDM helps families receive services appropriate for their levels of risk and identifies needs by linking risk and needs assessments to service plans and actions taken in cases. Based on research, jurisdictions that use SDM can be expected to have better outcomes for children than those that do not in a number of areas. The pilot program was designed to bring added structure to decision making, increase reliance on research in the assessment of risk of child maltreatment, and increase the amount of case information line staff and managers have available. The paper discusses the research-based risk assessment and reassessment, other tools for structured decision making, discretionary and policy overrides in structured decision making, workload analysis and accounting system, added management reporting capability and process evaluation, project organization, and project staffing. The results of the California Risk Assessment Validation Study indicate that risk categories derived through the study correlate with case outcomes. 10 figures.

Document Number: CD-32684

Publication Type: Chapter in Book

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Male Victims of Sexual Abuse: An Analysis of Substantiation of Child Protective Services Reports.

Author: Dersch, C. A.; Munsch, J.

Author Affiliation: Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock. Dept. of Human Development and Family Studies.

Sponsor: National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (DHHS), Washington, DC.

Grant Number: 90CA1370

Source: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse; 8(1): pp. 27-48; Haworth Press, Inc., Binghamton, NY., 1999

Internet URL: http://www.haworthpressinc.com

Distributor: Haworth Press, Inc.; 10 Alice St., Binghamton, NY 13904-1580; Tel: (800) 342-9678; Fax: (800) 895-0582; E-mail: getinfo@haworthpressinc.com

Index Terms:
male victims; child protective services; mandatory reporting; sexual abuse; female victims; characteristics of abused

Abstract:
This research seeks to understand why reports involving female victims of sexual abuse are substantiated at a significantly higher rate than reports involving male victims. Both descriptive analyses of the child, case, and investigatory process variables in the child protective services reports and a discriminant function analysis (done separately for male and female victims) to identify which variables distinguish between substantiated and unsubstantiated reports find relatively few differences. Female victims are older and these reports are more likely to come from an anonymous reporter. Given the greater reliability of reports from mandated reporters and the difficulty of investigating a report from an anonymous source, the authors suggest that educating mandated reporters about the signs of sexual abuse in male children may result in more reports from mandated reporters and consequently in a higher substantiation rate. Specific targets for this education effort would be social services personnel and school staff, both of whom report alleged abuse involving females far more often than abuse involving males. 6 tables and numerous references. (Author abstract modified)

Document Number: CD-32704

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Findings From the Parent-Child Project and Implications for Early Intervention.

Author: Egeland, B.; Erickson, M. F.

Author Affiliation: Minnesota Univ., Minneapolis.

Source: Zero to Three; 20(2): pp. 3-10; Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families, Washington, DC., October-November 1999

Internet URL: http://www.zerotothree.org

Distributor: Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families; 734 15th St. NW, 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20005; Tel: (800) 899-4301; (202) 638-1144

Index Terms:
longitudinal studies; attachment; parent child relationships; parenting skills; sequelae; child development; followup studies; child abuse research

Abstract:
The Parent-Child Interaction Project followed a sample of women pregnant with their first child who were identified as high risk. Parent-child relationships and child development were assessed through observation, interviews, and standardized instruments for 25 years. The most recent analysis examined the romantic relationships of the children in the original sample, their own parenting styles, and overall functioning at 23 years. The study focused on attachment and the factors that contribute to resilience or behavior problems. Findings revealed that responsive care and secure attachment relationships contributed to positive outcomes, such as high self esteem, engaging peer relationships, empathy, self-reliance, and more successful functioning during middle childhood. Subjects with secure attachments in infancy also were able to resolve conflict more positively with romantic partners during adulthood. Children with anxious attachment histories were found to develop antisocial behaviors, psychopathology in adolescence, and other emotional problems. The quality of attachment was related to a variety of factors, including personal factors (maternal characteristics), economic stress, home environment, family conflict, and level of social support. However, history of childhood abuse did not necessarily result in continued child maltreatment. Mothers who were able to overcome the cycle of child abuse had emotional support, a stable, satisfying relationship with a husband or boyfriend, and participation in long-term psychotherapy. Implications of these findings for practice are discussed. 33 references.

Document Number: CD-32745

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: State v. Michaels: A New Jersey Supreme Court Ruling With National Implications.

Author: Ross, K. L.

Source: Michigan Bar Journal; 78: pp. 32-35; Michigan State Bar, Lansing., January 1999

Distributor: Michigan State Bar; Michael Franck Bldg. 306 Townsend St., Lansing, MI 48933-2083

Index Terms:
state case law; new jersey; child witnesses; testimony; sexual abuse; competency; right to confrontation; credibility

Abstract:
This article analyzes the implications of the New Jersey Supreme Court decision in State v. Michaels, which held that a hearing should be held to determine the reliability of a child's testimony before trial. The taint hearing actually assesses the quality of the pretrial interview process to ensure that the questioning procedures were not suggestive. Focus is placed on the procedures used during the investigation, not the credibility of the child. The Court suggested that trial judges hold a taint hearing in any of the following situations: the lack of a tape of the initial interview; limited control over influence by family members; limited degree of spontaneous recollection; interviewer bias; leading questions; repeated questioning and interviews; vilification of the accused; bribes and threats; and other factors that would influence the child. Findings of the taint hearing will ensure that information obtained from the child's interview can be presented as evidence without violating the defendant's constitutional right to confrontation.

Document Number: CD-32940

Publication Type: Journal Article

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Impact of Welfare Reform on Child Welfare in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.

Author: Wells, K.; Sloan, J.; Guo, S.

Author Affiliation: Case Western Reserve Univ., Cleveland, OH. Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences.

Source: Presented at: The National Association for Welfare Research and Statistics 39th Annual Workshop, Cleveland, OH., August 8-11, 1999; 20 pp.

Distributor: Kathleen Wells; Case Western Reserve Univ. Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106-7164; E-mail: kmw3@po.cwru.edu

Index Terms:
welfare reform; child welfare; ohio; program evaluation; research methodology; data collection; data analysis; child welfare research

Abstract:
This paper describes the major components and methodology of a study designed to assess the impact of welfare reform on the welfare of poor children and their families in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. The study has three parts: an examination of changes in child welfare caseloads; an evaluation of the effect of neighborhood, family, and child characteristics on utilization of child welfare services; and a review of the policy context of welfare reform. Data will be analyzed with a time series design, as well as an entry-cohort design. The paper also identifies considerations in the use of administrative data for research, such as gaining access to the information; relationships among data sources, data collection forms, and electronic data records; determining the completeness and reliability of data; reorganizing data for analysis; and integrating data from different agencies. The third part of the paper reviews data analytic strategies for entry-cohort studies, including the proportional-hazards model, pooling, and Cox regression. 11 references.

Document Number: CD-33000

Publication Type: Proceedings Paper

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Homelessness: Programs and the People They Serve. Findings of the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients.

Author: Burt, M.R.; Aron, L. Y.; Douglas, T.; Valente, J. et al.

Author Affiliation: Urban Institute, Washington, DC.

Source: Interagency Council on the Homeless (HUD), Washington, DC., December 1999; 602 pp.

Internet URL: http://www.huduser.com

Distributor: HUD User; P.O. Box 6091, Rockville, MD 20849; Tel: (800) 245-2691; Fax: (301) 519-5767; E-mail: huduser@aspensys.com

Index Terms:
national surveys; direct service providers; homelessness; homeless children; homeless shelters; individual characteristics; interagency planning; interagency collaboration

Abstract:
This report describes the 1996 National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (NSHAPC). The survey provides data about the providers of homeless assistance and the characteristics of homeless persons who use services. NSHAPC is based on a statistical sample of 76 metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas, including small cities and rural areas. Chronic poverty, coupled with physical and other disabilities, have combined with rapid changes in society, the workplace, and local housing markets to make many people vulnerable to the effects of homelessness. Despite significant increases in funding, program administrators had to manage their programs without current and reliable data on the characteristics of the people they were serving and the emerging networks of services and service providers. In 1991 Federal agencies began planning for a new national survey to fill this gap. The NSHAPC was designed and funded by 12 federal agencies in a collaborative venture under the auspices of the Interagency Council on the Homeless, a working group of the White House Domestic Policy Council. The survey provides up-to-date information about the providers of assistance to homeless people, the characteristics of those who use services that focus on homeless people, and how this population has changed in metropolitan areas since the last survey in 1987. The analyses of the provider data examine factors such as geographic level, program type, and the types and levels of services delivered. The data received from service users identifies patterns based on a number of characteristics including age, race/ethnicity, sex, family status, history of homelessness, employment, education, veteran status, and the use of services and benefits. The report notes that the survey information is critical to discussions about effective public policy responses needed to break the cycle of homelessness. The report contains 17 chapters, 5 appendices, and numerous tables and figures.

Document Number: CD-33061

Publication Type: Technical Report

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Homelessness: Programs and the People They Serve. Findings of the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients. Summary.

Author: Burt, M. R.; Aron, L. Y.; Douglas, T.; Valente, J. et al.

Author Affiliation: Urban Institute, Washington, DC.

Source: Interagency Council on the Homeless (HUD), Washington, DC., December 1999; 110 pp.

Internet URL: http://www.huduser.org

Distributor: HUD User; P.O. Box 6091, Rockville, MD 20849; Tel: (800) 245-2691; Fax: (301) 519-5767; E-mail: huduser@aspensys.com

Index Terms:
national surveys; direct service providers; homelessness; homeless children; homeless shelters; individual characteristics; interagency planning; interagency collaboration

Abstract:
This summary report describes the 1996 National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (NSHAPC). The survey provides data about the providers of homeless assistance and the characteristics of homeless persons who use services. NSHAPC is based on a statistical sample of 76 metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas, including small cities and rural areas. Chronic poverty, coupled with physical and other disabilities, have combined with rapid changes in society, the workplace, and local housing markets to make many people vulnerable to the effects of homelessness. Despite significant increases in funding, program administrators had to manage their programs without current and reliable data on the characteristics of the people they were serving and the emerging networks of services and service providers. In 1991 Federal agencies began planning for a new national survey to fill this gap. The NSHAPC was designed and funded by 12 federal agencies in a collaborative venture under the auspices of the Interagency Council on the Homeless, a working group of the White House Domestic Policy Council. The survey provides up-to-date information about the providers of assistance to homeless people, the characteristics of those who use services that focus on homeless people, and how this population has changed in metropolitan areas since the last survey in 1987. The analyses of the provider data examine factors such as geographic level, program type, and the types and levels of services delivered. The data received from service users identifies patterns based on a number of characteristics including age, race/ethnicity, sex, family status, history of homelessness, employment, education, veteran status, and the use of services and benefits. The report notes that the survey information is critical to discussions about effective public policy responses needed to break the cycle of homelessness. The report contains 5 chapters, 2 appendices on NSHAPC's primary sampling areas and program definitions, and numerous tables and figures.

Document Number: CD-33083

Publication Type: Technical Report

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: Instrument Design and Selection: A Resource Guide for Children's Trust Fund's Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Programs.

Author: Lanzi, R.; Terry, K.; Guest, K.; Cotton, J.; Ramey, C.

Author Affiliation: Alabama Univ., Birmingham. Civitan International Research Center.

Source: Alabama Univ., Birmingham. Civitan International Research Center., 1999; 164 pp.

Internet URL: http://www.circ.uab.edu

Distributor: Robin Lanzi; Alabama Univ. Civitan International Research Center 137 1530 3rd Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35294-0021; Tel: (205) 934-8900; Fax: (205) 975-6330; E-mail: rlanzi@civitan.circ.uab.edu

Index Terms:
childrens trust funds; prevention programs; measures; psychological tests; psychometrics; standards; tests; rating scales

Abstract:
This manual provides guidelines for the selection of psychological tests for use by Children's Trust Fund Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention programs. The guide outlines standards developed by the American Educational Research Association, the American Psychological Association, and the National Council on Measurement in Education for evaluating test coverage and use, reliability, predictive validity, content validity, test administration, test reporting, and test and item bias. Instructions for using the Mental Measurements Yearbook, Tests in Print, the ERIC database, ERIC's Test Locator, and the online databases of the Child Abuse and Neglect Clearinghouse are provided and examples of searches from these resources are included. The manual also presents a table and descriptions of published child abuse and neglect prevention program measures for typical constructs, such as attachment, child behavior, child development, family functioning, and parent-child interaction. 1 table.

Document Number: CD-33112

Publication Type: Book

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: An Evaluation of the We Care: A Community Response to Respite Families.

Institutional Author: Lowcountry Human Resource Development.

Sponsor: Children's Bureau (DHHS), Washington, DC.

Grant Number: 90CO0762

Source: South Carolina State Dept. of Social Services, Columbia., 79 pp.

Distributor: South Carolina State Dept. of Social Services; P.O. Box 1520, Columbia, SC 29202-1520; Tel: (803) 898-7107

Index Terms:
respite care; south carolina; respite care programs; grants; program evaluation; special needs; minority adoption

Abstract:
This evaluation report reviews the We Care respite families grant program awarded to the South Carolina Department of Social Services. The project made respite care services available to adoptive families Statewide in coordination with the minority faith community. The target population also included children in the foster care system and non-minority adoptive families whose children had special needs. Respite services provided included parents night out, kids day out, weekend retreats, summer camp, special request respite, adoption parents appreciation luncheon and workshop, and therapeutic respite care. The report provides an analysis of the activities that guided the We Care project, delineating how reliable and sensitive respite services were provided to minority adoptive families. The report also includes a review of the major findings representing a program that can be replicated locally and nationally. The external evaluation provided evidence that the project met each of the objectives proposed and it was successful in achieving its overall mission to provide respite care services to families throughout South Carolina at a rate that exceeded that established in the original proposal. The report recommends that future program development focus on providing respite care resources to minority adoptive families. An appendix gives an overview of the respite services provided.

Document Number: CD-33137

Publication Type: Technical Report

Database: DOCUMENTS & ARTICLES

Title: CHILD NEGLECT: Selected Articles.

Sponsor: Lois and Samuel Silberman Foundation, NY

Source: NCCAN Annotated Bibliographies; 1999

Internet URL: http://www.calib.com/nccanch

Index Terms:
child abuse research; decision making; child neglect; definitions; risk factors; neglected children; policy formation; child neglect research; child protection; outcomes; evaluation; prevention; social policies; child welfare; prevalence; sequelae; research methodology; intervention; ecological factors; spouse abuse; termination of parental rights; child protection laws; battered women; family support systems; community based services; risk assessment; child protective services; families at risk; child fatalities; case studies; parental responsibility; child health; child development; cognitive development; emotional neglect; physical neglect; cultural competency; cultural factors; cultural sensitivity; socioeconomic status; poverty; depression; literature reviews; psychological needs

Full Text:
Document No.: CD-27549
Coming to Terms With a Consenual Definition of Child Maltreatment.
Portwood, S. G.
Journal Article
Copyright February 1999
Child Maltreatment.
4(1):56-68.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

This article addresses the need to clarify current definitions of child
abuse and child neglect, which in the article is described as "child
maltreatment." The study attempts to identify the extent to which
consensus exists and highlights those areas in which key decision makers
disagree as to what affects an abuse determination. Participants (323
total) were mental health, legal, and medical professionals, teachers,
parents, and adult non-parents. Respondents agreed that actual physical or
psychological harm to the child, whether the act is sexual in nature,
seriousness and frequency of the act, and an intent to harm the child are
key factors. The groups began to diverge on their evaluations to the
degree to which intent should be factored into such a decision.
Suggestions for future research aimed at developing more consistent legal
and practice standards are presented. 2 tables, numerous references.

Descriptors:
child abuse research; decision making; child neglect; definitions; risk
factors

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27760
Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and Policy.
Dubowitz, H. (Editor)
Book
328 pp.
Copyright January 1999
Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

This book synthesizes current knowledge of child neglect in one text that
provides a foundation for further developing the knowledge base and new
theory, programs, and policies related to the neglect of children. Because
cases involving neglect constitute more than half of cases reported to
child protective services, the child welfare system and practitioners in
several disciplines have had much experience addressing neglect. The book
presents a comprehensive and critical portrait of the phenomenon of
neglect, based on theory, research, and clinical practice experience. The
contents reflect the lack of concensus on the definition and causal
pathways of neglect, as well as overlying interpretations of research.
Fourteen chapters address the following topics: causes and contributing
factors; definitions and measurement research; cultural issues; short and
long term outcomes; evaluation and risk assessment; prevention and
intervention; prenatal substance abuse; fatal neglect; and policy issues.
Numerous references.

Descriptors:
neglected children; child neglect; policy formation; child neglect
research; child protection; outcomes; evaluation; prevention

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27766
Policy Issues in Child Neglect.
Gelles, R. J.
Chapter in Book
pp. 278-298
Copyright 1999
In: Dubowitz, H. (Editor). Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and
Policy. Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

This chapter focuses on social policy for child maltreatment and how
social policy has generally ignored child neglect. The neglect of children
can be either a child welfare or a welfare issue depending on where the
locus of responsibility is placed. Neglect cases are responded to by the
child welfare system when the responsibility is placed on caretakers; when
the responsibility lies elsewhere, the case may be referred to the
welfare, health care, or educational systems. The chapter reviews child
neglect definitions, the extent of the problem, the correlates, and
consequences. The chapter ends with a discussion of how a more specific
focus on neglect can lead to better and more informed social policy.
Recommended policy improvements are included and challenges are identified
that must be overcome in the child welfare system to improve policy
responses to neglect. Numerous references.

Descriptors:
child neglect; social policies; policy formation; definitions; child
welfare; prevalence; sequelae

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27767
Child Neglect: Research Recommendations and Future Directions.
Black, M. M.; Dubowitz, H.
Chapter in Book
pp. 261-277
Copyright 1999
In: Dubowitz, H. (Editor). Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and
Policy. Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

In 1993, the National Research Council (NRC) reviewed the state of
knowledge in the field of child maltreatment and recommended that the
research agenda be child oriented within an ecological framework to
include "experiences of developing children and their families within a
broader social context that includes their friends, neighborhoods, and
communities". This chapter endorses the ecological perspective recommended
by the NRC for guiding future research in child neglect. The chapter
reviews theories of neglect; the definition of child neglect; measures and
methodology; prevention and intervention, areas where research is not
needed; the context in which neglect occurs; parental characteristics
associated with neglect; child characteristics associated with neglect;
and policy implications. Although neglect is a complex, multifaceted
problem that can have profound effects on children, there has been little
research on the conceptualization, definition, measurement, prevention,
treatment, or policy implications of neglect. Conceptualizations regarding
neglect are complicated by the recognition that different forms of neglect
may have differing etiological pathways and require differing
interventions. Even though effective interventions are likely to be
expensive because they often require long-term multidisciplinary
collaboration, there is a national need to develop and evaluate policies
and programs to help parents and communities protect and nurture their
children. Numerous references.

Descriptors:
child neglect; child neglect research; definitions; research methodology;
prevention; intervention; ecological factors

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27768
Are Battered Women Bad Mothers? Rethinking the Termination of Abused
Women's Parental Rights for Failure to Protect.
Lyon, T. D.
Chapter in Book
pp. 237-260
Copyright 1999
In: Dubowitz, H. (Editor). Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and
Policy. Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

This chapter assesses the rights of battered women who fail to protect
their children against abuse and neglect. The differences between battered
women who fail to protect and another group of battered women who kill
their abusers are discussed. It is shown why arguments for expanding the
self-defense doctrine to excuse the actions of battered women who kill do
not easily translate into arguments for greater rights for battered women
who fail to protect their children. Specific suggestions made for the
reform of child protection law with respect to battered mothers are
reviewed. The distinction between jurisdiction and removal on the one hand
and termination on the other suggests that reforms can occur at the
termination stage without putting children at greater risk of further
abuse and neglect. In the final section the case law on the termination of
the parental rights of battered mothers is critiqued. A review of issues
includes discussion of the double standard for mothers and fathers, the
unwarranted assumption that a battered woman who has escaped one abusive
relationship will enter another, the lack of attention to adoptability and
the parent-child relationship, and the problems presented by cases in
which there is evidence that the mother was unwilling rather than unable
to leave the relationship. Numerous references.

Descriptors:
spouse abuse; child neglect; termination of parental rights; child
protection; child protection laws; battered women

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27770
Intervening With Families When Children Are Neglected.
DePanfilis, D.
Chapter in Book
pp. 211-236
Copyright 1999
In: Dubowitz, H. (Editor). Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and
Policy. Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

This chapter synthesizes the current knowledge of approaches to help
families meet the basic needs of their children. It integrates research on
effective child neglect interventions and proposes strategies based on the
child welfare field's collective knowledge and experience. The chapter
defines neglect as acts of omission of care to meet a child's basic needs
that result in harm or a threat of harm to children. Principles for
effective intervention are reviewed with respect to an
ecological-developmental framework that includes the importance of:
outreach and community; family assessment; a helping alliance and
partnership with the family; empowerment-based practice; emphasizing
strengths; culturally competent intervention; and developmental
appropriateness of interventions. The goal of intervention, to help
families within communities meet the basic needs of their children, is to
provide the mix and intensity of services appropriate to each family's
need. Interventions are geared to increase the ability of families to
successfully nurture their children by enabling families to use resources
and opportunities in the community that will help them alleviate stress,
overcome knowledge and skill deficits, and build and maintain caretaking
competencies. Because the contributors to neglect are varied,
interventions may be directed to developing and/or providing concrete
resources, social support, developmental remediation; and interventions
that are cognitive or behavioral, individually oriented, family-focused,
or some combination of these. 1 table and numerous references.

Descriptors:
neglected children; child neglect; intervention; family support systems;
community based services

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27771
Evaluation and Risk Assessment of Child Neglect in Public Child Protection
Services.
English, D. J.
Chapter in Book
pp. 191-210
Copyright 1999
In: Dubowitz, H. (Editor). Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and
Policy. Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

This chapter reviews the role of child protective services (CPS) in the
protection of children, outlines factors that influence the scope of CPS,
and describes methods used by CPS to carry out their mandate. The chapter
also discusses risk assessment in child protection, its general
application, and how risk assessment relates to and affects CPS services
provided to child-neglecting families. Because allegations of neglect are
the least likely maltreatment reports to meet the threshold for CPS
intervention, it is questionable whether CPS is the appropriate agency to
serve neglecting families, especially given the resource deficits in CPS.
Although neglect is strongly associated with poverty, it is also
associated with inadequate parenting skills and knowledge and other
caretaker deficits. Community based support services may be the most
appropriate intervention for lower-risk, non-chronic neglect situations.
In-home specialists, such as home health nurses who can model parenting
behaviors, may be more effective than other types of services routinely
offered by CPS workers. CPS may act as a conduit for service referral to
less intrusive but suitable services for neglecting families. Higher-risk
neglect cases may be more appropriately served by a more intrusive service
that can invoke legal interventions, if needed, to protect the child. The
key to successful assessment is for CPS programs to take a larger view of
the concept of serious harm that includes long-term and cumulative harm to
children. Assessments should place more emphasis on child development and
prior history and referrals. Numerous references.

Descriptors:
child neglect; risk assessment; child protective services; evaluation;
community based services

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27772
The Prevention of Child Neglect.
Holden, E. W.; Nabors, L.
Chapter in Book
pp. 174-190
Copyright 1999
In: Dubowitz, H. (Editor). Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and
Policy. Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

This chapter focuses on the prevention of child neglect from a
multidimensional perspective. Although neglect is the most prevalent form
of child maltreatment, it has been targeted infrequently for preventive
intervention. Reasons for this omission are addressed. Definitional issues
are discussed, both with respect to child neglect, and to the application
of prevention strategies. Successful prevention programs are reviewed to
show their specific applicability to the area of neglect. The implications
of the current knowledge of the prevention of neglect for public policy
and dissemination are addressed. Specific recommendations are made for
research, practice, and policy. Future progress in child neglect will
require policy makers to understand the importance of investing in the
support of at-risk families and to recognize that cost offsets may not
occur immediately. Effective policy should be guided by assessing multiple
outcomes longitudinally to enhance health and safety and physical and
mental health outcomes in children. Numerous references.

Descriptors:
child neglect; prevention; definitions; intervention; social policies;
families at risk; outcomes

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27773
Fatal Child Neglect.
Bonner, B. L.; Crow, S. M.; Logue, M. B.
Chapter in Book
pp. 156-173
Copyright 1999
In: Dubowitz, H. (Editor). Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and
Policy. Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

This chapter presents an overview of fatal child neglect, including
definition, incidence, etiology, investigation, and the current
professional and societal responses to this issue. Fatal neglect is
narrowly defined as death due to parental or caretaker failure to provide
a reasonable standard of care. It may be broadly defined as a
multidimensional problem that requires a focus on all possible harm, the
severity of the likely harm to the child, and the frequency and chronicity
of the situation or the circumstances in which the neglect occurred. The
responsibility to meet the needs of children falls primarily on parents,
although other caretakers, community members, and society as a whole share
in this responsibility. When applied to real-life circumstances, defining
neglect and assessing responsibility are complex issues. The actual number
of children who die as a result of neglect each year is not known.
Inaccurate and incomplete information, coupled with an outdated death
classification system and miscoding of neglect-related deaths on death
certificates, contributes to the uncertainty of the number of
child-neglect-related deaths. Several types of fatalities that can be
attributed to neglect are described, and ways these contributory factors
may be implicated are discussed. The most common forms of neglect-related
death are believed to be inadequate supervision-hazard exposure; smoke
inhalation; drowning; and medical neglect. Case histories of each are
given, along with recommendations on evaluation, intervention, protection
and prevention. The investigation and evaluation of child-neglect-related
deaths should include a comprehensive assessment of all factors involved
in the death, not just parental responsibility. This evaluation may lead
to primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention measures. Numerous
references.

Descriptors:
child fatalities; child neglect; case studies; parental responsibility;
definitions; prevention

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27775
Neglect of Children's Health Care.
Dubowitz, H.
Chapter in Book
pp. 109-131
Copyright 1999
In: Dubowitz, H. (Editor). Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and
Policy. Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

This chapter discusses the definition of neglected health care, its
frequency, etiology, major manifestations, and management. Neglected
health care occurs when the child is harmed or at significant risk for
harm. "Significant" is difficult to define and could refer to a remote
possibility of a terrible consequence or the frequent occurrence of a
mildly disabling condition. Neglected health care also occurs when the
recommended health care offers a significant net benefit. This requires
weighing the anticipated benefits and the possible costs. Neglect concerns
actual and potential harm to a child due to lack of health care. Severity
is related to the short-term and long-term outcomes, physical and
psychological. Six major influences are reviewed on whether children's
health care needs are met: context, family, parents, child, the disorder
and the treatment, and the quality of care. Guidance on evaluating and
managing possible neglected health care is provided, along with key
principles for approaching neglected health care. Numerous references.

Descriptors:
child neglect; child health; definitions; outcomes; neglected children

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27776
Child Neglect: Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes.
Gaudin, J. M.
Chapter in Book
pp. 89-108
Copyright 1999
In: Dubowitz, H. (Editor). Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and
Policy. Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

This chapter critically reviews the limited research on the short-term and
longer-term effects of neglect on children. It discusses the ecological
perspectives on child development and limitations of current research. The
short-term effects of child neglect are examined with respect to cognitive
and language effects, social or peer relationships, physical effects, and
child fatalities. Longer-term effects of child neglect include cognitive
and academic deficits. The evidence for the effects of neglect on
children's socioemotional functioning is more equivocal. Conclusions are
based primarily on very small, biased samples of children who have been
reported and substantiated for neglect. The available data do not offer
clear distinctions in the consequences of different types, severity, or
chronicity of the neglect. The connection between neglect and subsequent
delinquent or adult criminal activity has not been clearly established. It
is recommended that future research focus on critical stage-specific
developmental tasks of children and domains of adaptive functioning, using
an ecological understanding of child development. Numerous references.

Descriptors:
child neglect; outcomes; ecological factors; child development; cognitive
development; emotional neglect; physical neglect; sequelae

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27777
Cultural Competence and Child Neglect.
Korbin, J. E.; Spilsbury, J. C.
Chapter in Book
pp. 69-88
Copyright 1999
In: Dubowitz, H. (Editor). Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and
Policy. Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

This chapter focuses on cultural competence in child protection and argues
that culture is central to understanding and working with child abuse and
neglect. Cultural competence begins by acquiring the skills and knowledge
that enable child maltreatment professionals both to understand their own
cultures as well as to take another cultural perspective. There is no
inherent contradiction between incorporating culture in child protection
and ensuring child well-being. If cultural diversity is accommodated in
child protection efforts, differing standards for different cultures will
not emerge and children will not suffer as a result. The lack of cultural
competence leads to acceptance of all behavior as culturally appropriate,
regardless of the impact on children, or insistance on one global standard
to which all societies must adhere for optimal child well being. Although
cultural factors are not necessarily involved in all cases of child
neglect, culture must be considered when working within a multicultural
context. Intracultural variability, steps in culturally competent child
protection, and culture and etiology of child neglect are discussed.
Further research and guidelines for practitioners are needed to more fully
understand the implications of cultural diversity for effective child
neglect prevention and intervention. 1 figure and numerous references.

Descriptors:
cultural competency; child neglect; child protection; cultural factors;
cultural sensitivity

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27780
Child Neglect: Causes and Contributors.
Crittenden, P. M.
Chapter in Book
pp. 47-68
Copyright 1999
In: Dubowitz, H. (Editor). Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and
Policy. Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

This chapter addresses the issue of socioeconomic causation of child
neglect, concluding that such causation is not sufficient to explain
neglect. An alternative perspective is discussed; specifically, that
distortions of mental processing of information cause both poverty and
child neglect. Three types of child neglect are identified: disorganized,
emotionally neglecting, and depressed. Each type is associated with
different kinds of mental processing by adults. For each type of neglect,
it is suggested that analysis in terms of differential critical causes
would lead to different styles of intervention. Numerous references.

Descriptors:
child neglect; neglected children; socioeconomic status; poverty;
depression; emotional neglect; intervention

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27781
Child Neglect: A Review of Definitions and Measurement Research.
Zuravin, S. J.
Chapter in Book
pp. 24-46
Copyright 1999
In: Dubowitz, H. (Editor). Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and
Policy. Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/
Sponsored by:
Lois and Samuel Silberman Foundation, NY.

To promote the development of reliable and valid operational definitions
of child neglect, this chapter reviews recent methodologies for defining
neglect, examines recent measurement research on neglect, and makes
recommendations for future research. A review of the literature reveals no
publications that have focused on methodologies for definind neglect or
measurement research. Background information is provided about problems
and recommendations for defining maltreatment and its various types such
as physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional maltreatment, and neglect.
Recent definitions of child neglect are reviewed and the current status of
methods for defining child neglect are examined. The review of measurement
research addresses adequacy of different data sources, development and
psychometrics of two measures, construct validity of the maltreatment
classification system, and known groups validity of the child well-being
scales. Implications for future measurement of child neglect are provided.
An appendix lists the 25 articles on child neglect reviewed by the author.
Numerous references.

Descriptors:
child neglect research; child neglect; research methodology; definitions;
literature reviews

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27782
Child Neglect: The Family With a Hole in the Middle.
Garbarino, J.; Collins, C. C.
Chapter in Book
pp. 1-23
Copyright 1999
In: Dubowitz, H. (Editor). Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and
Policy. Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

This chapter introduces the topic of child neglect by matching up the
concept of neglect with important concepts and issues in child
development. The chapter explores the intrinsically contextual nature of
efforts to define child neglect and the centrality of "psychological
availability" in concepts of neglect. The case is made that difficulties
in defining what constitutes neglect may stem from changing cultural norms
on what standards of behavior are acceptable. The chapter provides some
recent statistics on child neglect and gives evidence that the effects of
neglect are more severe than those from abuse. Child neglect has been
neglected as a topic among the public and many professionals in the child
protection field. The reasons for this are reviewed. An ecological
perspective is presented as a means of contributing to the process of
understanding child neglect, examining the environment at 4 levels beyond
the individual--from the "micro" to the "macro." Numerous references.

Descriptors:
child development; child neglect; neglected children; psychological needs;
ecological factors; definitions

Publication Type: Annotated Bibliography

Database: Annotated Bibliographies

Title: CHILD NEGLECT RESEARCH: Selected Articles.

Sponsor: Lois and Samuel Silberman Foundation, NY; Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC. (90CA1582); National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (DHHS), Washington, DC. (90CA1469); National Institute of Mental Health (DHHS), Rockville, MD. (RO1MH49191); National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (DHHS), Washington, DC. (90CA1467)

Source: NCCAN Annotated Bibliographies; 1999

Internet URL: http://www.calib.com/nccanch

Index Terms:
child abuse research; decision making; child neglect; definitions; risk factors; neglected children; policy formation; child neglect research; child protection; outcomes; evaluation; prevention; research methodology; intervention; ecological factors; child development; cognitive development; emotional neglect; physical neglect; sequelae; literature reviews; models; family environment; parenting skills; predictor variables; family support systems; parental behavior; family life; family characteristics; home environment; sexual abuse; physical abuse; longitudinal studies; research reviews; child welfare research; foster care; independent living; family reunification; attachment; fathers; family structure; families at risk; individual therapy; group therapy; prevalence; intervention strategies; risk assessment; etiology

Full Text:
Document No.: CD-27549
Coming to Terms With a Consensual Definition of Child Maltreatment.
Portwood, S. G.
Journal Article
Copyright February 1999
Child Maltreatment.
4(1):56-68.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

This article addresses the need to clarify current definitions of child
abuse and child neglect, which in the article is described as "child
maltreatment." The study attempts to identify the extent to which
consensus exists and highlights those areas in which key decision makers
disagree as to what affects an abuse determination. Participants (323
total) were mental health, legal, and medical professionals, teachers,
parents, and adult non-parents. Respondents agreed that actual physical or
psychological harm to the child, whether the act is sexual in nature,
seriousness and frequency of the act, and an intent to harm the child are
key factors. The groups began to diverge on their evaluations to the
degree to which intent should be factored into such a decision.
Suggestions for future research aimed at developing more consistent legal
and practice standards are presented. 2 tables, numerous references.

Descriptors:
child abuse research; decision making; child neglect; definitions; risk
factors

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27760
Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and Policy.
Dubowitz, H. (Editor)
Book
328 pp.
Copyright January 1999
Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

This book synthesizes current knowledge of child neglect in one text that
provides a foundation for further developing the knowledge base and new
theory, programs, and policies related to the neglect of children. Because
cases involving neglect constitute more than half of cases reported to
child protective services, the child welfare system and practitioners in
several disciplines have had much experience addressing neglect. The book
presents a comprehensive and critical portrait of the phenomenon of
neglect, based on theory, research, and clinical practice experience. The
contents reflect the lack of concensus on the definition and causal
pathways of neglect, as well as overlying interpretations of research.
Fourteen chapters address the following topics: causes and contributing
factors; definitions and measurement research; cultural issues; short and
long term outcomes; evaluation and risk assessment; prevention and
intervention; prenatal substance abuse; fatal neglect; and policy issues.
Numerous references.

Descriptors:
neglected children; child neglect; policy formation; child neglect
research; child protection; outcomes; evaluation; prevention

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27767
Child Neglect: Research Recommendations and Future Directions.
Black, M. M.; Dubowitz, H.
Chapter in Book
pp. 261-277
Copyright 1999
In: Dubowitz, H. (Editor). Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and
Policy. Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

In 1993, the National Research Council (NRC) reviewed the state of
knowledge in the field of child maltreatment and recommended that the
research agenda be child oriented within an ecological framework to
include "experiences of developing children and their families within a
broader social context that includes their friends, neighborhoods, and
communities". This chapter endorses the ecological perspective recommended
by the NRC for guiding future research in child neglect. The chapter
reviews theories of neglect; the definition of child neglect; measures and
methodology; prevention and intervention, areas where research is not
needed; the context in which neglect occurs; parental characteristics
associated with neglect; child characteristics associated with neglect;
and policy implications. Although neglect is a complex, multifaceted
problem that can have profound effects on children, there has been little
research on the conceptualization, definition, measurement, prevention,
treatment, or policy implications of neglect. Conceptualizations regarding
neglect are complicated by the recognition that different forms of neglect
may have differing etiological pathways and require differing
interventions. Even though effective interventions are likely to be
expensive because they often require long-term multidisciplinary
collaboration, there is a national need to develop and evaluate policies
and programs to help parents and communities protect and nurture their
children. Numerous references.

Descriptors:
child neglect; child neglect research; definitions; research methodology;
prevention; intervention; ecological factors

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27776
Child Neglect: Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes.
Gaudin, J. M.
Chapter in Book
pp. 89-108
Copyright 1999
In: Dubowitz, H. (Editor). Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and
Policy. Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

This chapter critically reviews the limited research on the short-term and
longer-term effects of neglect on children. It discusses the ecological
perspectives on child development and limitations of current research. The
short-term effects of child neglect are examined with respect to cognitive
and language effects, social or peer relationships, physical effects, and
child fatalities. Longer-term effects of child neglect include cognitive
and academic deficits. The evidence for the effects of neglect on
children's socioemotional functioning is more equivocal. Conclusions are
based primarily on very small, biased samples of children who have been
reported and substantiated for neglect. The available data do not offer
clear distinctions in the consequences of different types, severity, or
chronicity of the neglect. The connection between neglect and subsequent
delinquent or adult criminal activity has not been clearly established. It
is recommended that future research focus on critical stage-specific
developmental tasks of children and domains of adaptive functioning, using
an ecological understanding of child development. Numerous references.

Descriptors:
child neglect; outcomes; ecological factors; child development; cognitive
development; emotional neglect; physical neglect; sequelae

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27781
Child Neglect: A Review of Definitions and Measurement Research.
Zuravin, S. J.
Chapter in Book
pp. 24-46
Copyright 1999
In: Dubowitz, H. (Editor). Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and
Policy. Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/
Sponsored by:
Lois and Samuel Silberman Foundation, NY.

To promote the development of reliable and valid operational definitions
of child neglect, this chapter reviews recent methodologies for defining
neglect, examines recent measurement research on neglect, and makes
recommendations for future research. A review of the literature reveals no
publications that have focused on methodologies for definind neglect or
measurement research. Background information is provided about problems
and recommendations for defining maltreatment and its various types such
as physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional maltreatment, and neglect.
Recent definitions of child neglect are reviewed and the current status of
methods for defining child neglect are examined. The review of measurement
research addresses adequacy of different data sources, development and
psychometrics of two measures, construct validity of the maltreatment
classification system, and known groups validity of the child well-being
scales. Implications for future measurement of child neglect are provided.
An appendix lists the 25 articles on child neglect reviewed by the author.
Numerous references.

Descriptors:
child neglect research; child neglect; research methodology; definitions;
literature reviews

             ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-26589
The Parental Environment Cluster Model of Child Neglect: An Integrative
Model.
Burke, J.; Chandy, J.; Dannerbeck, A.; Watt, J. W.
Journal Article
Copyright July-August 1998
Child Welfare.
77(4):389-405.
J. Wilson Watt, School of Social Work, University of Missouri- Columbia,
702 Clark Hall, Columbia, MO 65211
Sponsored by:
Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC. (90CA1582).

This article describes the Parental Environment Cluster model of child
neglect which identifies three clusters of factors involved in the
occurrence of neglectful behavior: factors related to parenting skills and
functions; factors related to the development and use of positive social
supports; and factors related to resource availability and management
skills. According to the model, deficits in the parent's ability to use
the parenting environment are present in the occurrence of child neglect.
Management of the clusters and the ability to link the clusters affect the
maintenance of the child's well-being. The model offers a focal theory for
research on child neglect, a structure for exploring and refining the
definition of neglect, and a framework for designing new intervention
strategies in cases of child neglect. 52 references and 1 figure. (Author
abstract)

Descriptors:
child neglect research; models; family environment; parenting skills; risk
factors; predictor variables; family support systems; parental behavior

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27215
School-Age and Adolescent Children's Perceptions of Family Functioning in
Neglectful and Non-Neglectful Families.
Gable, S.
Journal Article
Copyright September 1998
Child Abuse and Neglect.
22(9):859-867.
Sara Gable, Missouri Univ., Human Development and Family Studies
Extension, 162B Stanley Hall, Columbia, MO 65211
Sponsored by:
National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (DHHS), Washington, DC.
(90CA1469).

This research examines whether neglected children's perceptions of their
own family's functioning acknowledge the differences that exist between
neglectful and non-neglectful families. The study used an inter-rater
consistency design. Child and caseworker reports of family functioning in
33 neglectful and 34 non-neglectful families were compared. After
establishing significant differences between the socioemotional and
physical environment provided by neglectful and non-neglectful families,
the results indicate that children from neglectful families perceive a
higher level of quality in family functioning than was reported by
caseworkers or supported by other measures. Study limitations are
discussed and possible explanations for results are given. Implications
are discussed for designing effective interventions for school age and
adolescent children from neglectful families. 4 tables. Numerous
references. (Author abstract modified)

Descriptors:
child neglect research; neglected children; family life; family
characteristics; home environment

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-27295
A Longitudinal Analysis of Risk Factors for Child Maltreatment: Findings
of a 17-Year Prospective Study of Officially Recorded and Self-Recorded
Child Abuse and Neglect.
Brown, J.; Cohen, P.; Johnson, J. G.; Salzinger, S.
Journal Article
Copyright November 1998
Child Abuse and Neglect.
22(11):1065-1078.
Jocelyn Brown, Columbia Univ. Dept. of Pediatrics, 622 W. 168th St., New
York, NY 10032
Sponsored by:
National Institute of Mental Health (DHHS), Rockville, MD. (RO1MH49191).

This article examines the results of a longitudinal study of risk factors
for child abuse and neglect among families in the community, using data on
child maltreatment obtained from both official records and youth
self-reports. Surveys assessing demographic variables, family
relationships, parental behavior, and characteristics of parents and
children were administered to a representative sample of 644 families in
upstate New York on 4 occasions between 1975 and 1992. Data on child abuse
and neglect were obtained from New York State records and retrospective
self-report instruments administered when youths were 18 years of age or
older. Logistic regression analyses indicated that different patterns of
risk factors predicted the occurrence of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and
neglect, although maternal youth and maternal sociopathy predicted the
occurrence of all 3 forms of child maltreatment. In addition, the
prevalence of child abuse or neglect increased from 3 percent when no risk
factors were present to 24 percent when 4 or more risk factors were
present. State records and self-reports of child maltreatment did not
correspond in most cases when maltreatment was reported through at least
one data source, underlying the importance of obtaining data from both
official records and self-reports. Assessment of a number of risk factors
may permit health professionals to identify parents and children who are
at high risk for child maltreatment, thereby facilitating appropriate
implementation of prevention and treatment interventions. 77 references, 1
figure, and 5 tables. (Author abstract modified)

Descriptors:
sexual abuse; physical abuse; child neglect; child abuse research; family
characteristics; longitudinal studies; risk factors

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-23801
Child Welfare Research Review. Volume II.
Berrick, J. D. (Editor); Barth, R. P. (Editor); Gilbert, N. (Editor)
Book
326 pp.
Copyright 1997
New York, NY, Columbia Univ. Press
Distributed by:
Columbia Univ. Press
136 S. Broadway
Irvington, NY 10533
(800) 944-8648

This research review provides highlights of recent studies in the child
welfare field. Selected papers describe important findings in the areas of
child neglect, the role of the extended family in child welfare, foster
family care, and family reunification. Definitions of neglect; family
functioning; prevention of neglect; kinship foster care; maltreatment in
foster families; transitional programs; and the effectiveness of
reunification are specifically addressed. Each section begins with an
introduction that summarizes current knowledge about the particular area.
Numerous references, 18 figures, and 26 tables.

Descriptors:
research reviews; child neglect research; child welfare research; foster
care; independent living; family reunification

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-23833
Family Functioning in Neglectful Families: Recent Research.
Gaudin, J. M.; Dubowitz, H.
Chapter in Book
pp. 28-62
Copyright 1997
In: Berrick, J. D.; Barth, R. P.; and Gilbert, N. (Editors). Child Welfare
Research Review, Volume II. New York, NY, Columbia Univ. Press
Distributed by:
Columbia Univ. Press
136 S. Broadway
Irvington, NY 10533
(800) 944-8648

This paper summarizes findings from an NCCAN-funded study of functioning
in neglectful families. Three-year studies were conducted in five sites:
Maryland, Georgia, Iowa, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In each
study, a sample of neglecting families was compared with a matched sample
of non- neglectful families. Operational definitions of neglect and
measures varied among the sites. Overall, the studies found that
predictors of neglect included mother's inability to connect emotionally,
lack of interaction between mother and child, mothers' poor social skills
and well-being, and less father involvement. Family functioning was not
found to predict neglect. Limitations and strengths of the studies and
implications for research and intervention are discussed. Numerous
references and 2 tables.

Descriptors:
research reviews; child neglect research; attachment; fathers; family
characteristics; family structure; families at risk

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-23834
Child Neglect: Definition, Incidence, Outcomes.
Berrick, J. D.
Chapter in Book
pp. 1-12
Copyright 1997
In: Berrick, J. D.; Barth, R. P.; and Gilbert, N. (Editors). Child Welfare
Research Review, Volume II. New York, NY, Columbia Univ. Press
Distributed by:
Columbia Univ. Press
136 S. Broadway
Irvington, NY 10533
(800) 944-8648

This chapter reviews findings from current research about the prevalence,
risk, and treatment of child neglect. Although neglect is more prevalent
than physical and sexual abuse, few studies have examined the
characteristics of neglecting families and the effectiveness of
intervention strategies. Lack of consensus about a definition of neglect
has posed a significant barrier to child neglect research. Debates focus
on expectations for supervision, parental intent, and the differing
perspectives of the parent, the child, and social workers. Relationships
have been found between neglect and family characteristics of poverty,
social isolation, poor self-concept, and depression. Research on
prevention and treatment of neglect is limited because most studies do not
separate neglect from other forms of maltreatment. However, findings
indicate that longer-term treatment with specific goals is most effective.
Individual therapy that targets immediate issues has also been shown to be
successful. 47 references.

Descriptors:
research reviews; child neglect research; family characteristics;
prevention; individual therapy; group therapy; prevalence

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-24285
Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect, LONGSCAN: The First Five
Years at the Coordinating Center, North Carolina Site and Seattle Site,
1991-1996.
Runyan, D. K.; Hunter, W. M.; Everson, M. D.; Bangdiwala, S.; et al.
Final Report
656 pp.
April 8, 1997
National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (DHHS), Washington, DC
Distributed by:
Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
330 C St., SW
Washington, DC 20447
(800) 394-3366
nccanch@calib.com
http://www.calib.com/nccanch
Sponsored by:
National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (DHHS), Washington, DC.
(90CA1467).

This report details the results of a five year NCCAN-funded longitudinal
study of child abuse and neglect. The Consortium of Longitudinal Studies
in Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) coordinated five research projects
to examine the causes and effects of child maltreatment. The project
involved five sites: Chicago, Baltimore, San Diego, North Carolina, and
Seattle. This report presents findings from North Carolina and Seattle and
discusses the role of the Coordinating Center of the project. The North
Carolina study investigated the role of family stress and social support
on child maltreatment in 221 children, aged 4-5 years old, who were
identified as high risk when they were born. The Seattle study examined
the long-term effects of referral to child protective services and the
relationship between substantiation and re-referral in 261 children aged
1-4 identified as moderately at risk for child abuse and neglect by the
CPS. Data revealed that the most significant predictors of maltreatment
reports were poverty, maternal depression, high number of children, and
low maternal education. Social support was somewhat effective in
protecting against abuse and neglect. The North Carolina study found that
child neglect referrals were under-represented in the state central
registry and that some incidents of physical or sexual abuse by a
non-parent were mis-classified as parental neglect. In Seattle, the study
revealed that substantiation did not predict re-referral rates. Caretaker
social support, caretaker history of domestic violence, and only one child
in the family did correlate with re-referral. Implications for practice
and research are discussed. Numerous references, 1 figure, and 18 tables.

Descriptors:
longitudinal studies; sequelae; intervention strategies; outcomes; risk
assessment; predictor variables; child neglect; etiology

Publication Type: Annotated Bibliography

Database: Annotated Bibliographies

Title: CPS RISK ASSESSMENT AND DECISION MAKING: Selected Articles.

Sponsor: National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (DHHS), Washington, DC. (90CA1576); National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (DHHS), Washington, DC. (90CA1563); National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (DHHS), Washington, DC. (90CA1547)

Source: NCCAN Annotated Bibliographies; 1999

Internet URL: http://www.calib.com/nccanch

Index Terms:
child neglect; risk assessment; child protective services; evaluation; community based services; sexual abuse; assessment; credibility; disclosure; research methodology; decision making; child protection; social work; outcomes; policy formation; child welfare; family centered services; detection; symptoms; child welfare services; NCCAN; social workers attitudes; interviews; child welfare research; washington; physical abuse; service delivery; resource materials; characteristics of abuser; investigations; child welfare workers; risk factors; computer based training; social workers; models; protocols; diagnoses; probability; evaluation methods; predictor variables; well being; validity; reliability; measures; family group conferencing; family preservation; mediation; family role; new zealand; incest; child welfare reform; case assessment; intervention strategies; indicators; managed care; outcome based accountability; child abuse research; female sex offenders; police attitudes; sex roles; spouse abuse; interagency collaboration; multiproblem families; maine; abuse allegations; proof; evidence; standards; child protection laws; state surveys

Full Text:
Document No.: CD-27771
Evaluation and Risk Assessment of Child Neglect in Public Child Protection
Services.
English, D. J.
Chapter in Book
pp. 191-210
Copyright 1999
In: Dubowitz, H. (Editor). Neglected Children: Research, Practice, and
Policy. Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, Inc.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
FAX: (805) 499-0871
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com/

This chapter reviews the role of child protective services (CPS) in the
protection of children, outlines factors that influence the scope of CPS,
and describes methods used by CPS to carry out their mandate. The chapter
also discusses risk assessment in child protection, its general
application, and how risk assessment relates to and affects CPS services
provided to child-neglecting families. Because allegations of neglect are
the least likely maltreatment reports to meet the threshold for CPS
intervention, it is questionable whether CPS is the appropriate agency to
serve neglecting families, especially given the resource deficits in CPS.
Although neglect is strongly associated with poverty, it is also
associated with inadequate parenting skills and knowledge and other
caretaker deficits. Community based support services may be the most
appropriate intervention for lower-risk, non-chronic neglect situations.
In-home specialists, such as home health nurses who can model parenting
behaviors, may be more effective than other types of services routinely
offered by CPS workers. CPS may act as a conduit for service referral to
less intrusive but suitable services for neglecting families. Higher-risk
neglect cases may be more appropriately served by a more intrusive service
that can invoke legal interventions, if needed, to protect the child. The
key to successful assessment is for CPS programs to take a larger view of
the concept of serious harm that includes long-term and cumulative harm to
children. Assessments should place more emphasis on child development and
prior history and referrals. Numerous references.

Descriptors:
child neglect; risk assessment; child protective services; evaluation;
community based services

              ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-25873
The Assessment of Child Sexual Abuse Allegations: Using Research to Guide
Clinical Decision Making.
Dammeyer, M. D.
Journal Article
Copyright Winter 1998
Behavioral Sciences and the Law.
16(1):21-34.
Distributed by:
John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Customer Service
605 Third Ave.
New York, NY 10158-0012
(212) 850-6645
FAX: (212) 850-6021
subinfo@wiley.com
http://www.interscience.wiley.com

This article evaluates which sources of information clinicians should rely
upon when conducting child sexual abuse assessments. Specifically, the
commonly used indicators and procedures for assessing allegations of abuse
are identified and then examined in light of their respective empirical
literatures. It is concluded that medical examinations and the child's
report are among the best sources of information, and should therefore be
most heavily relied upon to arrive at accurate decisions. Clinicians are
encouraged to adopt the mind set of a scientist conducting an a priori,
hypothesis-driven research investigation. This approach should help
clinicians avoid the temptation of post hoc analyses that reflect personal
biases more than the actual data. 46 references. (Author abstract)

Descriptors:
sexual abuse; assessment; credibility; disclosure; research methodology;
decision making

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-26067
Promoting Evidence-based Practice in Child Protection.
MacDonald, G.
Journal Article
Copyright January 1998
Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
3(1):71-84.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com

This article argues for the adoption of an evidence-based approach to
decision-making in child protection. Such a change hinges upon the
availability of good quality, up-to-date evidence that is readily
accessible to practitioners and policymakers. Following a resume of the
arguments for recognizing controlled trials as methodologically superior
to other forms of methodology in evaluating professional interventions,
the article presents the case for adopting a similarly rigorous approach
to synthesizing research findings. It then identifies a range of obstacles
to promoting evidence-based practice and makes recommendations for changes
in training, research, and practice which might facilitate improvement in
both primary research and in reviews of the literature. 47 references and
1 table. (Author abstract)

Descriptors:
child protection; social work; decision making; outcomes

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-26234
Information Integration in Child Welfare Cases: An Introduction to
Statistical Decision Making.
Ruscio, J.
Journal Article
Copyright May 1998
Child Maltreatment.
3(2):143-156.
Distributed by:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 499-0721
order@sagepub.com
http://www.sagepub.com
Sponsored by:
National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (DHHS), Washington, DC.
(90CA1576).

This article presents two general methods for formulating decision making
policies in the field of child maltreatment, along with a discussion of
the considerable research literature demonstrating the superior predictive
validity of statistical decision models over clinical prediction. A series
of illustrative contrasts between the two approaches highlights the
desirable mathematical properties of statistical equations as well as the
cognitive biases and limitations inherent in unaided human judgement.
Reasons for practitioners' adherence to the clinical approach are
explored, with specific reference to child welfare decision making.
Finally, recommendations are provided for enhancing the efficiency,
validity, and ethical defensibility of decision making that seriously
impacts the lives of children and their families. Numerous references and
3 figures. (Author abstract)

Descriptors:
decision making; policy formation; child welfare; child protective
services

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-26268
Field Guide to Child Welfare: Volume I: Foundations of Child Protective
Services.
Rycus, J. S.; Hughes, R. C.
Book
238 pp.
Copyright 1998
Washington, DC, CWLA Press
Distributed by:
Child Welfare League of America, Inc.
440 First St., NW, Suite 310
Washington, DC 20001-2085
(202) 638-2952
FAX: (202) 638-4004
books@cwla.org
http://www.cwla.org/

Volume I of the Field Guide to Child Welfare provides an overview of child
protection values and practice. The first section reviews child welfare
values and the concepts of freedom, justice, social responsibility, and
human dignity. A history of child welfare is presented from ancient times
to western social work in England and North America. Early versions of
out-of-home placement and debates about the role of poverty and punishment
are described. The section concludes by outlining the role of
family-centered services in contemporary child welfare. When it is in the
best interests of the children, child protective services are now expected
to focus on strengthening and preserving the family. Implications of this
philosophy for child placement are described. The second section of the
text offers a more in-depth examination of the application of the
family-centered approach to child protection. Chapters review the physical
and behavioral indicators of abuse and neglect and describe the dynamics
of child maltreatment, risk assessment, intake and initial family
assessment, and family-centered child welfare services. This section
presents a conceptual framework for child abuse and neglect and lists risk
factors related to the parent characteristics, child characteristics,
family stress and crisis, and social isolation. Practical strategies for
assessment, intake, and service delivery are discussed. The final section
examines issues specific to sexual abuse. Indicators of child sexual abuse;
dynamics of sexual abuse; characteristics of perpetrators, victims, and
nonoffending parents; consequences; disclosure; investigation procedures;
and therapeutic interventions are outlined.

Descriptors:
child protective services; family centered services; risk assessment;
detection; symptoms; child welfare services

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-26318
Decision-Making in Child Protective Services: A Study of Effectiveness.
Phase II: Social Worker Interviews.
English, D.; Brummel, S. C.; Coghlan, L. K.; Novicky, R. S.; Marshall, D.
B.
Final Report
124 pp.
Copyright 1998
Washington State Dept. of Social and Health Services, Olympia. Office of
Children's Administration Research
Distributed by:
Washington State Dept. of Social and Health Services, Office of Children's
Administration Research
P. O. Box 45701
Olympia, WA 98504-5701
(360) 902-8051
Sponsored by:
National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (DHHS), Washington, DC.
(90CA1563).

This report provides an overview of phase II of a study conducted by the
National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (NCCAN). This phase examines
Child Protective Services (CPS) decision-making based on interviews with
CPS social workers. A sample of 200 randomly selected CPS referrals were
identified and the workers who investigated those cases were interviewed
about their decision processes in general, and their decision process in
the specifically identified case. Basic descriptive data was collected in
closed and open ended format. Primary factors that influenced
decision-making in this group of cases included caregiver cooperation,
collateral contacts, caregiver's recognition of the problem, family
history, and the availability of resources. Major themes influencing CPS
worker decisions included issues associated with resources, individual and
organizational factors, role ambiguity, the trend toward the use of
criminal investigative standards, and the willingness and ability of
caretakers to recognize and participate in services. Findings of abuse in
these cases was not necessarily related to whether or not maltreatment
actually occurred. Numerous figures, 10 references, appendix.

Descriptors:
NCCAN; child protective services; decision making; social workers
attitudes; interviews; child welfare research; washington

               ------------------------------------

Document No.: CD-26320
Even From a Broken Web: Brief, Respectful Solution-Oriented Therapy for
Sex