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Child Abuse

A Guide to Selected Government and Legal Information

Web version of this guide includes links to web resources.

Federal Government Information
Basic Investigative Protocol for Child Sexual Abuse

This article offers basic rules for investigating allegations of child sexual abuse. A multidisciplinary approach is advocated. 1999
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. Vol. 68, No. 10 October 1999 pp. 19-25
J 1.14/8:68/10

Child Neglect and Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy

This guide defines child neglect and parental duties to help determine when child neglect occurs. Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, a form of child abuse, is defined and the criteria used in its diagnosis is given. 1996.
J 32.8:M 92

In the Wake of Childhood Maltreatment

This Bulletin explores the relationship between childhood maltreatment and subsequent problems such as drug use, teen pregnancy, and low academic achievement in adolescent years. 1997.
J 32.10:C 43/6

"Frustrations of Inquiry: Child Sexual Abuse Allegations in Divorce and Custody Cases"

This article examines factors to be considered by investigators when child sexual abuse allegations arise during divorce or custody battles. 1998.
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. Vol. 67, no. 7. July 1998, p. 1-6
J 1.14/8:67/7

Statistical Abstract of the United States

Tables provide statistics concerning child abuse and neglect cases, outlining types of maltreatment and victim characteristics, investigation referrals, the number of children reported, and the number of confirmed cases listed by State.
C 3.134:yr. (latest edition at the Reference Desk, 2nd floor.)

Action Plan to Prevent Family and Intimate Partner Violence

This publication of the Department of Health and Human Services is a blueprint for breaking the cycle of violence in family relationships, including partner abuse, parent/elder abuse, and child abuse. 1998.
HE 20.9002:F 21

Use of Computers in the Sexual Exploitation of Children

This guide offers basic information about "adapting time-tested investigative techniques to the realm of cyberspace." It discusses the legal issues that are inherent in electronic communication investigations and it describes common behavioral characteristics of sex offenders who focus on children. 1999.
J 32.8:AB 9/8

Illinois Government Information
Illinois DCFS Website

This Illinois Department of Children and Family Services website contains information about child abuse and neglect. Questions of all types regarding the reporting and the investigation of child abuse are answered; statistical data can be found as well.
http://www.illinois.gov/dcfs/

Illinois Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol: A Report to the General Assembly Concerning the Implementation and Validation of the Protocol

This is the fourth annual report to the General Assembly regarding the Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol (CERAP), which standardizes the decisionmaking process around assessing the risk of harm to children. During three years of use, this protocol has been instrumental in lowering the recurrence rate of maltreatment of children by nearly 29%. 1999
ILLINOIS 362.7 ILLI9 1999.

Legal Information
"Responding to Child Homicide: A Statutory Proposal"

This article explores the need for special child homicide statutes. Current child homicide statutes in the United States are examined and model child homicide statutes and recommendations are presented.
The Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology. Vol. 89, no. 2, Winter 1999. pp 535-614.

"Louisiana's Newest Capital Crime: The Death Penalty for Child Rape"

This article looks at a new Louisiana law that makes raping a child under twelve years old punishable by death or life imprisonment. Its constitutionality is questioned and future hurdles for the statute are examined.
The Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology. Vol. 89, no. 2, Winter 1999. pp. 717-750.

"Wife Had Duty to Warn of Husband's Propensity for Child Sexual Abuse"

This article is in response to 714 A.2d 924, in which the New Jersey Supreme Court held that when a spouse actually knows or has reason to know that his or her spouse is or was engaging in sex abuse, the spouse has a duty to take steps to prevent or warn others of the harm.
Trial. Vol. 34, no. 13, December 1998. p. 19.

National Survey of State Laws

Table 24 of this book presents a state-by-state comparison of child abuse laws in a handy, chart format and includes the definition of abuse, reporting requirements, and penalties for failure to report.
LEGL REF KF 386. N38 1997 p. 313-331

Legal Issues in Child Abuse and Neglect Practice

This book examines many legal issues in examining and obtaining evidence in child abuse cases. An overview of the legal system in such cases is given, along with an analysis of specific legal issues associated with expert testimony.
LEGL REF KF 9323. M94 1998

"Guardians Ad Litem: The Guardian Angels of Our Children in Domestic Violence Court"

An advocation of the use of guardians ad litem in domestic violence cases, a look at how domestic violence affects children, and an introduction to a guardian ad litem program and the needs it can address within the court system.
Loyola University Chicago Law Journal. Vol. 30, No. 10 Winter 1999 pp. 281-303

"Play It Again, Counsel: The Admission of Videotaped Interviews in Prosecutions for Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child"

A look at the impact of People v. Bowen, which held that a videotaped interview with a child victim of aggravated criminal sexual assault is not a violation of the defendant's confrontation right under the Confrontation Clause of the Sixth Amendment.
Loyola University Chicago Law Journal. Vol. 30, No. 10 Winter 1999 pp. 305-356

Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offenders Registration Improvments Act of 1997

This Act requires that each state enforce mandatory registration of convicted sex offenders after they are released from prison.
SERIAL 14451 House Report 256
Y 1.1/2:SERIAL 14451

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