Qualitative responses by caregivers (n = 203) and youth (aged 8 and older; n = 65) about their experiences with sexual abuse investigations were analyzed in conjunction with quantitative ratings of satisfaction. Respondents described mostly high levels of satisfaction, although dissatisfaction was reported with some key aspects of investigations. The features cited as worse than expected by caregivers were the investigators' commitment to prosecuting the alleged offender and the absence of clear and regular communication about the status of the case. The features mentioned most often by caregivers as better than expected were the emotional support and interviewing skills of investigators. Youth focused both praise and criticism on investigators' interviewing skills. There were relatively few complaints by either caregivers or youth about the duration of the investigation, medical exams, lack of services, or failures of interagency communication, areas of considerable reform in the past several decades. Implications for investigator training and reform initiatives are discussed.
Earlier research on the automaticity of memory for spatial location was extended. A series of four-photograph sets were presented to subjects, who then attempted to relocate the photographs to their original locations on posters. Number oflocations on the posters varied from 4, 9, or 16, and instructions were intentional or incidental. Memory for location decreased with increased matrix size. Instructions had no effect. The recognition of photographs was unaffected by these variables. No firm evidence for effortful processing of location memory was found.Hasher and Zacks (1979Zacks ( , 1984 theorized that spatial location, temporal order, and frequency of occurrence are automatically encoded into long-term memory. Their criteria for defining automatic processes were the following: (1) they occur without intention or awareness, (2) they are not improved with instruction, practice, or feedback, (3) they make minimal demands on central processing capacity, (4) they are not affected by alterations in attentional capacity due to stress, arousal, or mood, and (5) they are developmentally invariant across age and intelligence.Empirical studies of memory for location prompted by Hasher and Zacks's (1979) automaticity theory have yielded mixed results. To date, most of the location memory research has used two experimental paradigms.
This commentary discusses the decisions of child protective service (CPS) investigators to substantiate mothers for failure to- protect (FTP) in child sexual abuse cases. Four areas are identified in which the scientific literature remains inadequate to fully inform child maltreatment researchers, CPS practitioners and child welfare policymakers on models and outcomes for FTP substantiation decisions. Attention is called to the need for more information about how differences in statutory definitions, common guidelines, and professional education and training influence FTP substantiation decisions. Current gaps in the knowledge base on FTP and nonoffending caregivers are highlighted. doi:10.1300/J070v15n04_05.
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