AMERICAN-PSYCHOLOGICAL-ASSOCIATION (1992) ETHICS CODE AND THE VALIDATION OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN DAY-CARE SETTINGS

This article applies the American Psychological Association's (1992) E thics Code to the activities of psychologists engaged in child sexual abuse validations. Standards of professional and forensic competence a re discussed with respect to quality and level of education, unsupervi sed experience, and workshop attendance. Personal biases, self-interes ts, and multiple relationships that can give rise to misleading testim ony and exploitation of child witnesses are addressed, along with ethi cal problems arising when psychologists confuse abuse validation with child advocacy. Failure to document and select scientifically and prof essionally sound assessment techniques is discussed, and potential eth ical problems inherent in the use of ''syndrome'' evidence (S.M. Sgroi , 1982; R. C. Summit, 1983), posttraumatic stress disorder, and D. Fin kelhor's (1988) offender typology are highlighted. A more realistic de scription of psychologists' competencies and responsibilities in legal proceedings is recommended.