NCJ Number
106350
Date Published
1986
Length
89 pages
Annotation
A multidisciplinary review of Louisiana's services to child victims of sexual abuse concludes that the child protection system's ability to respond to such cases has not kept pace with the increase in child sexual abuse reports.
Abstract
The Louisiana Child Sexual Abuse Committee reviewed 14 valid cases of child sexual abuse to gather information on all aspects of the child protection system. Local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and the Department of Children, Youth and Family Services (DCYFS) share responsibility for receiving reports of abuse and intervention. Despite recent improvements, Louisiana's system is characterized by inadequately defined agency purposes, priorities, and responsibilities. Criteria for determining appropriate legal, judicial, and protective service intervention are often unclear and unstable. Virtually all groups involved in child sexual abuse cases need more specialized expertise and technology. The State also lacks treatment resources. Consequently, the entire system may exacerbate trauma and devastation experienced by victimized children and their families. Recommendations to correct this situation are grouped into 13 areas: law enforcement; investigation aids; multidisciplinary consultation; medical examinations and coroners; psychological/psychiatric examination; district attorneys; juvenile court; criminal court; DCYFS; treatment; foster care; and public awareness, early identification and prevention. Sample interagency agreements are appended.