INVESTIGATING ALLEGATIONS OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT SEXUAL ABUSE: An Overview for Professionals This book will introduce the reader to the basics of conducting a successful investigation into allegations of sexual abuse of a child or adolescent. By Tom Plach, ISBN: 9780398077952 Retail price: $32.95   $29.95 Quantity:

This book will introduce the reader to the basics of conducting a successful investigation into allegations of sexual abuse of a child or adolescent. It is designed to help the newer investigators avoid some of the common errors that occur in child and adolescent sexual abuse investigation, while gaining some of the basic knowledge necessary to be successful in this difficult and complex work. Written from a multi-discipline perspective, the book begins by defining successful investigation as a multidimensional outcome. The book moves forward by providing basic foundation information for successful investigation by teaching the investigator how to develop a profile of the victim and adapt investigative methods to meet that profile. This foundation continues by providing an overview of multiple hypotheses investigation and evidence considerations. Once this foundation is provided, the book then provides an overview of the investigation process and then offers the reader tips on evaluating the allegations. The book also includes an overview of support services for victims, advice for professionals on managing some of the special situations encountered by investigators, and ends with an overview of the process of becoming competent in the field of child abuse investigation. Throughout the book, the reader is challenged to apply basic concepts through completion of activities that bring to life actual case situations, including final case studies that will challenge the reader to apply all the information from the book. In addition, the reader is directed to resources that can be accessed to help gain additional knowledge and expertise on different areas related to investigation and prosecution of child and adolescent sexual abuse. It will be of primary interest to law enforcement professionals, child protection workers, prosecutors, advocates, and medical and mental health professionals.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface Chapter 1. Overview of Child Sexual Abuse Investigation Defining Successful Investigation: Five Considerations Characteristics of Successful Investigation Chapter 2. The Multidisciplinary Team Approach Why a Team Approach? What is Special About a Team Approach? What is a Team? Who is On a Multidisciplinary Team? Establishing a Common Purpose The Domino Effect, Multidisciplinary Team Protocol: How We Work Together Case Review and Accountability Being a Good Team Member Chapter 3. Profiling The Victim Child Development: Implications for Investigation Emotional/Psychological Responses to Sexual Abuse: Implications for Investigation Culture: Implications for Investigation Practice Exercise: Profiling the Victim Chapter 4. Gathering Evidence Sources of Information and Evidence in Child and Adolescent Sexual Abuse Cases Chapter 4 Supplement Sample: Consent To Search Form Chapter 5. Multiple Hypotheses Investigation Defining Multiple Hypotheses Investigation Alternative Explanations and Investigative Strategies Practice Exercise: Developing Multiple Hypotheses Chapter 6. The Investigative Process First Responder and Preliminary Investigation Safety Planning Practice Exercise: Safety Planning Interviewing the Victim: An Overview General Considerations for The Interview Process Factors That Impact Upon the Interview Process Making A Plan For The Victim Interview: Who, What, When, and Where The Interview Process Documenting The Interview The Medical Exam Follow-up Interviews and Evidence Collection Suspect Interview: An Overview Making a Plan For The Suspect Interview: Who, What, When, and Where Documentation Issues in Investigation Chapter 6 Supplements I. Sample First Responder Preliminary Report II. Interviewing Self-Assessment III.Who, What, When, and Where of Forensic Interviewing IV. Investigative Interview References V. Sample Medical Guidelines Protocol VI. Thinking Errors with Sex Offenders Chapter 7. Support Services The Victim/Family Advocate Mental Health Care Chapter 7 Supplements I. A Note to Parents-English II.A Note to Parents-Español Chapter 8. Evaluating the Case for Disposition: What Do We Do Now? Burden of Proof Myths and Realities in Evaluating Allegations Tips for Making an Accurate Case Disposition Safety Revisited: Evaluating Ongoing Risk Chapter 8 Supplement Sample Checklist Chapter 9. Special Situations The Incomplete Victim Interview I Take It Back: When the Victim Recants the Allegation Multivictim Cases When the Professional Testifies When the Child Testifies Chapter 10: On Becoming a Competent Child Abuse Professional The Four Ingredients in Competency Self-Assessment For Professional Development Final Case Studies: Applying the Book Answers for the Case Studies I. Profiling The Victim II. Most Likely Alternative Explanations III.Safety Planning

Published 2008
192 pp., 7 x 10