Archives of Public Health (Archives Belges de Medecine Sociale, Brussels) 1990; 48(7-12):197-273
Child Sexual Abuse: diagnostic thresholds. W.H.O. Workshop: Mental Health and the Family, 1989. E. A. Sand, WHO, Belgian Inter University Centre for Research and Action Pub: Archives of Public Health (Archives Belges de Medecine Sociale, Brussels). Vol 48, no. 7-12, pp.197-273, 1990.
The term 'diagnosis' as applied to child sexual abuse is a misnomer; nevertheless, it is useful 'shorthand' way of describing the roles and central tasks of the psycho-social professionals. Some consider the term 'assessment' to be a more apt description of such tasks.
This paper touches on some recent accounts of principles of good practice in relation to assessment, and the potential danger when such broad principles are not adhered to. It goes on to describe interpretation of findings during the assessment. It ends with a brief commentary on second opinions and also on the concept of children and parents as victims of bureaucratic procedures.