Risk Assessment in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
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.
