NCJ Number
227686
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 18 Issue: 3 Dated: May-June 2009 Pages: 267-289
Date Published
June 2009
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This article attempts to provide a broad overview of child sexual abuse (CSA) investigations and research-based psychological insights into the system, delineating how CSA cases are investigated, the roles of the professionals involved in this process, the practical constraints faced by these professionals, and how theoretical and practical debates are resolved in practice.
Abstract
The challenges of coordinating effective investigations and appropriately responding to child maltreatment are sizeable. Attempts to improve these complex systems often meet with limited success. There are a variety of reasons why it is difficult to improve the system, but some are linked to those professionals involved in responding to CSA, who often understand only a limited piece of the child welfare system. This article attempts to bridge this gap by providing a broad overview of the legal and social service systems that respond to CSA allegations. There are areas where this system can be improved, with training, with added resources, and with the effective utilization of relevant research insights. The article is intended to serve as one way for professionals and researchers to gain competency in understanding the systems involved in CSA investigations and the potential contributions of psychological research to understanding and improving the system. Figure and references