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. 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.