THE PROFESSIONAL RESPONSE TO CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE - WHOSE INTERESTS ARESERVED

This article examines the professional response to child sexual abuse by posing three questions: Are there problems with current practice an d research? What maintains current professional behavior? Can individu al Professionals improve children's welfare? Numerous professional pra ctices that may harm children are documented. Analysis of the continge ncies that shape professional behavior suggests that it will be diffic ult to change current practices Several ways in which individual profe ssionals can promote children's welfare in allegations of sexual abuse are highlighted