Effects of statutes requiring psychiatrists to report suspected sexual abuse of children

Article Abstract:

Psychiatric reporting of suspected sexual abuse of children is mandatory in all 50 states, although Maryland has added several exclusionary rules. In Maryland, psychotherapists have not been required to report incidences of sexual abuse of children if the adult who committed the abuse did so before seeking treatment, if knowledge of the abuse was derived solely from a patient's disclosure, and if the patient was attending treatment specifically aimed at child abuse (e.g. a program specializing in pedophilia). The exclusionary rules were an attempt to encourage abusers to seek help in the event their actions had gone undetected. By 1989, the exclusionary rule was amended so that disclosure of abusive behavior which took place before the adult entered psychotherapy had to be reported. Data collected at a sexual disorder clinic in Maryland made it possible to evaluate any effects that changes in mandatory reporting had on disclosures of child abuse. After the law changed, no patients made disclosures of sexually abusing children during treatment, so that children at risk could not be identified. As a matter of fact, mandatory reporting did not lead to the disclosure of a single child at risk, but rather the change in the statute seems to have deterred honest disclosure, both preventing sick adults from receiving useful treatment and leaving vulnerable children at risk. It is suggested that the problem of identifying children at risk could be resolved in some cases by eliminating mandatory reporting and treating the sexual abuse of children from a mental health standpoint rather than from a criminal justice standpoint. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Maryland, Child sexual abuse, Child sexual abusers, Psychiatry

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Restoration to competency: practice guidelines

Article Abstract:

This article presents guidelines for psychiatric hospitals treating criminal defendants to restore their competency to stand trial. Elements of a model program designed to restore competency include objective assessment upon admission, individualized treatment, an educational program regarding court proceedings, anxiety reduction therapy, medication, and additional instruction for patients with low intelligence.

United States, Psychological aspects, Standards, Services, Psychiatric services, Mental health services, Psychiatric hospitals, Competency to stand trial

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Legal competency in a case of pedophilia: advertising on the internet

Article Abstract:

This article examines the case of a pedophile who used the internet to contact and abuse a child. Topics include societal pressure, criminal law, and psychotherapy.

Brazil, Social aspects, Usage, Cases, Internet, Sex offenders, Sex crimes, Sexual deviation, Paraphilias

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