A couple of interesting reports are out recently regarding systemic issues of sexual abuse. Well, one was out, then they withdrew it.
The report that is out this week comes from the UK, where after a seven-year long investigation into child sexual abuse, an independent commission issued its report and recommendations for change. The report found child sexual abuse to be “endemic” and with a much higher incidence rate than earlier reported. The report’s recommendations include:
Mandated reporting for individuals in positions of trust, with criminal penalties if they don’t;
Creation of a new child protection authority;
Appointment of a cabinet-level minister for children; and
Expanded background checks for those working with children.
All of these seem pretty standard.
Additionally, late last month the Anglican Church in North America issued a report on the denomination’s handling of abuse allegations and then promptly rescinded it because it contained confidential information about victims. A newly redacted report should be released soon. The problem seems to be that the Anglican church decided to release the report as soon as its law firm finished it, without taking time to make sure it was accurate and appropriate. This past May, the Southern Baptist Convention took a similar approach to releasing its report on handling of abuse allegations. In my humble opinion, these reports need to be reviewed thoroughly before they are released.
In other news:
Texas’ legislature commissioned a report that was released this week addressing children in foster care who are placed in residential treatment centers (RTCs). The experts recommend there be higher standards for placement at an RTC, that the length of stay be monitored more carefully, and that more of these children should be placed in foster homes. The report contains some good legislative recommendations as well. For children with complex needs, Treatment Family Foster Care would be a good alternative, but it appears there are only three agencies providing that in Texas.
The Today Show continues its series on foster care with a good piece on youth aging out of care.
The UN says that children’s well-being has been in decline over the past three years. I can imagine.
I learned a new term: “Intensive Parenting.”
Apparently foster children in Maryland can’t use bunk beds