Addressing Challenges and Controversies in Child Sexual Abuse Interviewing: The Forensic Evaluation Protocol and Research Project

Abstract

This article describes a forensic evaluation protocol, designed at the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC). The means by which the NCAC forensic evaluation protocol addresses the challenges and controversies inherent in the field of sexual abuse al84legation assessment are discussed. Results of a two-year study are reported, in which efficacy of the protocol is demonstrated in three areas: (1) in gathering facts to validate true abuse, thus assisting the child protective and legal systems in case decision making, (2) in determining when initial concerning statements of children are actually not due to sexual abuse, but to other events or circumstances, and (3) in uncovering false allegations and vindicating the falsely accused. A multi-site research project currently underway that involves more than 40 Children’s Advocacy Centers across the United States, which will further test the efficacy of the model and further refine practice, is described. The multi-site project will also include data on the evaluators’ own abuse history and whether or not this affects evaluation outcomes. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: getinfo@ http://haworthpressinc.com">haworthpressinc.com <Website: http://www.haworthpressinc.com >]