Science, policy, and the protection of children

Child maltreatment is a particular concern for many researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. The articles in this Child Sexual Abuse: Science, Practice, and Policy Issues section, edited by Jeffrey Haugaard, address this issue from several perspectives. Haugaard articulates the difficulties of defining certain types of abuse and of researching ambiguous variables. Karen Saywitz and her coauthors provide an overview of current treatments for child sexual abuse victims. Recent national statistics on child maltreatment and federal efforts to address the problem are described by Olivia Golden. Tom DeLay highlights current problems in the child welfare system and the federal government's role in responding to them.