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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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
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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