NCJ Number
109638
Journal
Current Municipal Problems Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Dated: (1986) Pages: 228-233
Date Published
1986
Length
6 pages
Annotation
A multidisciplinary assessment team can ensure that decisions on the handling of child sexual abuse cases are well-reasoned and take all related issues into account.
Abstract
A multidisciplinary team should include representatives from all agencies involved in family violence cases. This usually involves law enforcement, the prosecutor's office, protective services agencies, and mental health agencies. The formation of the assessment team should be done through the prosecutor. The team investigates reported cases of child sexual abuse, and should the team decide that abuse has occurred, it must then decide what approach will best protect the victim and treat the family. Factors in this decision are whether the evidence is sufficient for a conviction, the probable sentence if the offender is convicted, whether family rehabilitation can occur if the offender is or is not punished, and whether it is politically possible not to punish the offender. A competent team decision will require evaluation of a probable decision by judge and jury, evaluation of treatment effectiveness, arrangements for victim protection, visitation arrangements, and determination of sources of financial report. Assessment team members should receive training for their specific roles and responsibilities. 7 footnotes.