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 the 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. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

New directions in children's mental health policy: Psychology's role.

The policies that influence the practice of children's mental health affect psychologists across the nation. Major recent events have brought this topic to the attention of national policymakers at the highest level and have created opportunities for psychologists to present information regarding recent scientific advances in the treatment of childhood disorders and to be involved in the development of solutions to address the needs of our nation's children. This article reviews these recent events, summarizes current knowledge in the field, and addresses specific issues and critical gaps in current national policies on children's mental health. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)