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Child sexual abuse: a case study in community collaboration
1University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor 48109-1106, USA.
Child Abuse & Neglect
|November 1, 2000
Summary
Successful child sexual abuse case management in a Midwestern community was achieved through collaboration, not solely child testimony. High confession and plea rates were observed, demonstrating effective prosecution strategies.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Criminology
- Social Work
Background:
- Child sexual abuse (CSA) case management presents complex challenges.
- Effective prosecution strategies are crucial for victim support and offender accountability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the process and outcomes of a Midwestern US community's approach to CSA case management.
- To explore factors contributing to successful prosecution in CSA cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 323 criminal court files.
- Data collection included demographics, agency involvement (law enforcement, Child Protective Services [CPS]), disclosure patterns, caretaker responses, and legal outcomes.
- Examination of both case process and outcome variables.
Main Results:
- A 64% sex offense confession rate and a 70% plea rate were documented.
- Only 15 cases proceeded to trial, with six resulting in offender conviction.
- Successful outcomes were linked to collaborative efforts between law enforcement, CPS, and prosecutors.
Conclusions:
- Criminal prosecution of CSA can yield successful outcomes without relying exclusively on child testimony.
- Collaborative inter-agency efforts are key to achieving high confession and plea rates in CSA cases.
- Effective case management strategies enhance justice for child abuse victims.