Research indicates that sexual abuse of children is widespread and underreported. Since child development workers are among children's first contacts, the emotional and physical well-being of the young children in their care depends to a large degree on workers' awareness of characteristics of sexually abused children and abusive parents. In turn,…

Educational, psychological and mental health, and medical computer databases were searched, and three occupational reference texts were examined, in an effort to identify the position of the child development specialist (CDS). Other objectives were to initiate a dialogue in the profession and among those who might value services of CDSs, and to…