NCJ Number
111394
Date Published
Unknown
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This document reports on the results of a 2-day workshop held by the Coordinated Child Sexual Abuse Treatment Committee (CSAT) to develop ways in which Maine can respond effectively to issues of child sexual abuse.
Abstract
The workshop focused on interdepartmental and interdisciplinary responses to the issues of child sexual abuse. Maine has had a mandatory child abuse reporting law in effect since 1975, and the Maine Department of Human Services, State law enforcement officials, and district attorneys have statutory authority to intervene and respond to reports of abuse or the failure of parents to protect their children. Seven preliminary recommendations were proposed by workshop participants to enable Maine to more effectively combat child sexual abuse. First, child abuse and neglect cases should be approached from a multidisciplinary perspective. Second, Maine should develop regional clearinghouses for information, service referral, and community education on child sexual abuse issues. Third, the judicial system should speed up trials, increase the number of advocates for victims and witnesses, minimize child interviews, and give further consideration to the development of a family court. Fourth, Maine should develop an integrated approach to the management of sexual offenders (including juvenile offenders) from preadjudication through incarceration, community treatment, and followup. Fifth, teachers, professionals, and members of the State judiciary and legislature should receive education and training in problems of child sexual abuse. Sixth, the community should be made aware of the problem and how it can be solved. Seventh, more resources must be deployed for all aspects of child abuse intervention.