Learning from child complainants of sexual abuse and their primary carers : implications for policy and practice
Davies, Emma
Learning from child complainants of sexual abuse and their primary carers : implications for policy and practice Davies, Emma - 1999
Social Policy Journal of New Zealand, 1999, 12: 122-138
This article examines child complainants' and their primary carers' perceptions of the investigation and professionals involved when there has been allegations of sexual abuse made by the child. The participants of the study were 51 children aged 6 to 16 years who had brought allegations of sexual abuse, 124 primary carers, 58 social workers and 85 police officers involved in the abuse cases. The research findings show that many of the primary carers believed that the process was too slow, and felt that they had little support throughout. Inter-disciplinary coordination and collaboration was rated poor by many of the participants. The carers disclosed that they were not thoroughly briefed about the court proceedings, and one-third of the children were not adequately prepared to act as witnesses in court. Implications for policy and practice are also discussed, including the need for greater interagency collaboration and communication between the Police and the Children Young Persons, and Their Families Service; the need to improve court proceedings so children are supported as witnesses; and the need for social workers to be better resourced so that they can concentrate on the needs of children
1172-4382
CHILDREN
COURTS
FAMILIES
INTERVENTION
JUSTICE
SOCIAL SERVICES
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
NEW ZEALAND
Learning from child complainants of sexual abuse and their primary carers : implications for policy and practice Davies, Emma - 1999
Social Policy Journal of New Zealand, 1999, 12: 122-138
This article examines child complainants' and their primary carers' perceptions of the investigation and professionals involved when there has been allegations of sexual abuse made by the child. The participants of the study were 51 children aged 6 to 16 years who had brought allegations of sexual abuse, 124 primary carers, 58 social workers and 85 police officers involved in the abuse cases. The research findings show that many of the primary carers believed that the process was too slow, and felt that they had little support throughout. Inter-disciplinary coordination and collaboration was rated poor by many of the participants. The carers disclosed that they were not thoroughly briefed about the court proceedings, and one-third of the children were not adequately prepared to act as witnesses in court. Implications for policy and practice are also discussed, including the need for greater interagency collaboration and communication between the Police and the Children Young Persons, and Their Families Service; the need to improve court proceedings so children are supported as witnesses; and the need for social workers to be better resourced so that they can concentrate on the needs of children
1172-4382
CHILDREN
COURTS
FAMILIES
INTERVENTION
JUSTICE
SOCIAL SERVICES
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
NEW ZEALAND