Presenting the insight of an investigator with more than two decades of experience, this book guides law enforcement officers and child protection workers in the best practices of abuse investigations. Topics include forming an investigative plan, differentiating between accidental and abusive injury, triggers for abuse most often cited by perpetrators, defenses, and legal and social factors associated with taking a child into protective custody. The book also demonstrates how to prepare for civil and criminal trial and includes questions and checklists to assist in case management.

Introduction. Investigative Plan. Allegation and Disclosure. Suspect Information. Child Forensic Interview. Medical Evaluation. Multi-disciplinary Response. The Nonoffending Parent as a Witness. Other Witnesses. Crime Scene. Accelerated Timeline for Suspect Contact. Accidental versus Nonaccidental Trauma. Fractures. Sentinel Bruising. Biting. Fall Injuries and Abusive Head Trauma. Assessment. Abusive Head Trauma. Timeline of AHT/SBS. Triggers for Abuse. Crying. Behaviors. Economic Stressors. Common Defenses. Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Fractures from Birth. Violent Coughing. Corporal Punishment. Religion and Child Abuse. Protective Custody. Probable Cause. Imminent Danger. Multiple Siblings. Administrative Issues. Investigative Bias. Female Sex Offenders. Media Bias. Investigative and Judicial Bias. Older Victims. Investigative Considerations. Multi-disciplinary Teams. Best Practices. Child Advocacy Centers. Case Review. Outside Agency Investigations. Information Sharing. Trial Testimony. Investigative Process. Professional Background. Presentation. Debrief. Child Development. Sexual Development. Sexual Play. Physical Development. Terminology. Head. Fractures. Medical Terms. Plausible versus Actual. References. Appendix A: Question Sets. Medical Questions. Caretaker Questions. Appendix B: Pediatric Abuse Investigation Checklist. for First Responders. Appendix C: Investigative Timeline Checklist. Index.