NCJ Number
101774
Editor(s)
M Botsford
Date Published
1986
Length
158 pages
Annotation
This report sets forth the policy analyses and recommendations of each of the five committees of the Middlesex County Child Sexual Abuse Task Force (Massachusetts) concerning the prosecution and disposition of cases entering the criminal and juvenile justice systems.
Abstract
It describes the problems arising from the involvement of diverse agencies, institutions, officials, and individuals in such cases (e.g., prosecutors, police, schools, therapists) and recommends (1) a coordinated approach through the use of multidisciplinary teams and (2) development of techniques to reduce traumatization of the child victim-witness. An examination of evidentiary issues and issues relating to the coordination of court proceedings and to the use of expert witnesses offers several recommendations. These cover witness competency, the use of electronically recorded testimony, discovery requests and confidentiality, bibliographies, and prosecutorial guidelines. Charging and sentencing guidelines are presented, along with the recommendation for development of standards for monitoring and reviewing dispositional recommendations and sentences. A review of current training and training needs of police, prosecutors, judges, and social service personnel precedes a discussion of prosecution and disposition issues as they relate to the juvenile sex offender. Changes in a number of juvenile statutes are recommended. Diagnostic instruments are appended.