NCJ Number
162776
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: (1995) Pages: 123- 128
Date Published
1995
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This analysis of Milchman's discussion of ethical and practical issues involved in assessing allegations of child sexual abuse in cases involving divorce, custody, and visitation focuses on the issue of confidentiality and discusses principles that should be followed when conducting abuse evaluations.
Abstract
Milchman incorrectly states that a binding confidentiality will protect the release of any of all details of a child's clinical record from their guardian or the courts. This misconception appears related to Milchman's misinterpretation of the Ethical Principles of Psychologists regarding informed consent and confidentiality. A second misconception relates to the author's contention that children's consent must be sought prior to interviews; the author has confused assent with consent. The crucial principles to follow when conducting evaluations are to be thorough; to use conservative judgment in both evaluating the evidence and protecting the child from harm; and to keep up with the huge and growing literature on interviewing techniques, suggestibility and memory, and the impact of abuse and trauma on children. 1 reference