Risk Assessment in Child Sexual Abuse Cases

Authors

Jill S. Levenson, Lynn University
John W. Morin, Center for Offender Rehabilitation and Education

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2006

Abstract

Despite continuing improvements in risk assessment for child protective services (CPS) and movement toward actuarial prediction of child maltreatment, current models have not adequately addressed child sexual abuse. Sexual abuse cases present unique and ambiguous indicators to the investigating professional, and risk factors differ from those related to physical abuse and neglect. Incorporation of research on risk factors specifically related to sexual offender recidivism into existing CPS risk assessment models may improve the ability to assess the risk of future sexual maltreatment to children. This article reviews the literature on risk factors for sexual offense recidivism and discusses their relevance and application to CPS assessment models. An evidence-based model for assessing risk in child sexual abuse cases is proposed.

Publication

Child Welfare

Publisher

Child Welfare League of America

Volume

85

Issue

1

Pages

59-82

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Recommended Citation

Levenson, J. S., & Morin, J. W. (2006). Risk assessment in child sexual abuse cases. Child Welfare, 85(1), 59–82.