NCJ Number
151627
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (1994) Pages: 31-43
Date Published
1994
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper presents findings from a pilot study of the use of a child abuse screening methodology involving a systematic touch exploration format designed to screen for possible physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
Abstract
The format uses simple drawings with the child's participation to review both positive and negative forms of touching in the child's life. The efficiency of the procedure were analyzed with 42 children ages 4-8 at a child abuse service of Children's Hospital of St. Paul, Minn. Most of the children were white and from families of lower socioeconomic status; 40 percent of the children were female. Comparisons between the screening outcome and the conclusion of the complete case investigation indicated no fabricated allegations, although a bias existed toward underreporting. Findings indicated that although this form of screening does not guarantee that child abuse will be uncovered or documented, it provides an informal, comfortable format from which trained assessors or mental health professionals can approach this important area. Figures, table, and 13 references (Author abstract modified)