NCJ Number
173278
Journal
Prosecutor Volume: 30 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 1996 Pages: 38-41
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Since the late 1970s, prosecutors, law enforcement, child protection services, health care and treatment agencies, victim advocates, guardians ad litem, courts, and other interested agencies have made a growing and purposeful effort to educate staff members about child abuse and child protection, and some States have passed mandatory reporting requirements in cases involving suspected child abuse.
Abstract
Along with mandated reporting, an important step in improving the ability to identify and prosecute child abusers has been the creation of child abuse teams. Some States have mandated through legislation that child abuse be investigated by a team consisting of a criminal investigator and a child protection worker. A team approach to child abuse investigations often includes joint interview of the child, and a special educational focus for professionals who work in the area of child abuse should be learning interview techniques to use with children that are sensitive to the child's developmental abilities and that enhance the reliability of information obtained from the child. Some States have also created review teams at the jurisdictional or district level where prosecutors, medical personnel, law enforcement personnel, child protection workers, and representatives from other agencies meet regularly to review cases. Purposes of review at this level are to enhance communication among agencies, to facilitate information sharing, and to keep all agencies working together to meet the needs of children. An important aspect of any investigation protocol adopted by a jurisdiction for child abuse cases involves close coordination of the criminal investigation and the child protection assessment. Prosecutors should develop written protocols for a coordinated approach to child abuse investigations, and an example of a coordinated investigation model is provided. The need for legislation and practice to be sensitive to the special problems of children in court is considered. 3 endnotes and 1 figure