Incest: The School's Role

Factors influencing school counsellors' decision to report cases of child sexual abuse

“…Other roles have also been proposed. Some proponents believe that the counsellor should educate children and teachers about child sexual abuse (Minard, 1993), while others believe the counsellor should provide counselling services to the child and family after the case has been reported (Remley and Fry, 1993;Riggs, 1982). Others advocate a wider role extending beyond the school.…”

“…However, numerous studies have shown that a large majority of mandated reporters do not report cases of child abuse ( Zeuman,1990). In an effort to encourage reporting, every state in the United States has also included an immunity provision in the reporting statute (Riggs, 1982). These provisions provide immunity from civil and criminal actions if the original report was made in good faith.…”

“…Once the report has been made, the school counsellor's task is not complete (Remley & Fry, 1993;Riggs, 1982). Professional bodies, state governments, researchers and clinicians all advocate that the counsellors' role should include major responsibilities in dealing with child sexual abuse.…”

School counsellors' knowledge of the nature of child sexual abuse and proceedures and laws

“…However, numerous studies have shown that a large majority of mandated professionals do not report cases to child protective services (James, Womack & Stauss, 1978;Muehleman & Kimmons, 1981;Swoboda, Elwork, Sales & Levine, 1978). In an effort to encourage reporting, every state in the United States now includes an immunity provision in the reporting statute (Riggs, 1982). These provisions provide immunity from civil and criminal actions if the original report was made in good faith but proved to be inaccurate.…”

“…There appears to be a general consensus among researchers who specifically address schools' roles in response to child sexual abuse, that school counsellors, with their special training in personal counselling, should be able to help the child victim adjust and progress in school. Vevier and Tharinger (1986) and others (Griggs & Gale, 1977;Riggs, 1982) believe that the school counsellor should not take major responsibility for the treatment of the victim, but should work in conjunction with the victim's therapist by providing individual or group counselling at school. Through such counselling, school counsellors may help the victim achieve some of the treatment goals suggested in the literature (Broadhurst, 1979;Oates, 1990;Slager-Jorne, 1978).…”