Lane J. Veltkamp

Projective measures in the clinical evaluation of sexually abused children

This paper addresses the use of human figure drawings as a strategy for assessing clinically relevant experiences of sexually abused children. Clinical issues relevant to the use of human figure drawings are discussed.

Character Education as a Prevention Strategy in School-Related Violence

Prevention education is seen as a key component in addressing school violence. Three hundred and three fourth grade students in 9 elementary schools in a predominantly rural community were provided a specialized program of character education as a prevention tool to reduce the potential for deviant behavior. Students in 3 schools were in the no treatment control condition. Students in the remaining 6 schools received a school-based and curriculum driven character education program; two of the schools were in the curriculum only condition while in four of the schools students were randomly selected to receive a protocol-driven summer academic (6 weeks) and experiential education/program. The intervention results suggest that the students who received the academic/camp intervention had the greatest increases in social competence, the largest gains in reading achievement, and the largest increase in parental interaction. Recommendations for prevention education are discussed at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

Teleconferencing model for forensic consultation, court testimony, and continuing education.

A medical center-based forensic clinic that provides the necessary comprehensive consultation, continuing education, court testimony, and clinical services through an applied model of teleconferencing applications is addressed. Telemedicine technology and services have gained the attention of both legal and clinical practitioners, examining trends and models of health care for underserved populations, and identifying where consultation with a team of professionals may benefit service providers in rural communities. The contribution offered herein provides an understanding of the history of the development of the clinic, a theoretical model that has been applied to a clinical forensic program that employs telepsychiatry services, and the ethical and malpractice liability issues confronted in using teleconferencing services. This model is examined through a child and adolescent forensic evaluation clinic. The goals of this model are offered, as are a number of applications within the broad spectrum of services utilizing telemedicine. Finally, changing patterns are addressed in clinically based health-care delivery for criminal justice, social services, and forensic mental health.

An adolescent vampire cult in rural America: clinical issues and case study.

The emergence of cult related activities in rural America are examined. Cults and their attraction to adolescents are addressed as are methods of cult indoctrination and a profile of cult members and their leader. Clinical management along with a rationale for the attraction of some adolescents to cults are discussed. A case study of a vampire cult and the psychopathology identified in the leader of the cult are provided. Import for clinicians is offered.

Assessment of sexual abuse and trauma: clinical measures

Examined are several measures currently used in the assessment of child abuse, sexual abuse, and trauma. These measures include structured clinical interviews, self report measures, screening inventory, symptom checklist, and some measures that include decision making properties. Issues and implications for clinical practice are explored.

Care Pathway Guidelines for Assessment and Counseling for Domestic Violence

Family counselors recognize the importance of standards of care and standardized models of evaluation and intervention in cases of domestic violence. Examined is a care pathway guideline developed to ensure consistency in the evaluation and treatment offered where the spectrum of symptoms of domestic violence is identified in the course of screening and counseling. Also provided is a summary of at-risk factors counselors should recognize in screening for abuse, a syndrome often associated with the traumas of domestic violence, and the physical and behavioral indicators of family violence. Issues and import for future care pathway guidelines are offered.

Adult non-survivors: The failure to cope of victims of child abuse

The long-term effects of child abuse have received significant attention in the research. The adult who is so affected by the trauma of child abuse is less often studied. The adult non-survivor experiences considerable and ultimately massive decompensation and failure in the ability to cope with and adjust to adult stresses. A case study is presented to illustrate this phenomenon. Issues for clinical practice and further research are identified.

Assessment of Child Sexual Abuse: Clinical Use of Fables

Examined is the clinical use of fables in the evaluation of child sexual abuse. A review of projective assessment, the use of human figure drawings, anatomically correct dolls and projective apperception testing is presented within the context of clinical assessment of child trauma. The efficacy of the fable assessment technique is discussed, as are issues in the use of projective assessment with children. Issues and import for the clinician are explored.

Clinical Assessment of Adult Abuse and Trauma

This article examines several measures used in the assessment of adult abuse and trauma. These measures include structured clinical interviews, self report measures, screening inventories, symptom checklists, and some measures that include decision-making properties. Specific conditions in the assessment of adult victims of psychological trauma and implications for clinical practice are explored.

Clinical strategies in recognizing spouse abuse

Physicians have developed an increased sensitivity to the recognition and management of spouse abuse. Examined are clinical data and research which will enhance the physicians assessment of spouse abuse. Specific criteria useful in diagnosis and strategies helpful in the assessment process are discussed. Addressed are psychological factors involved in the adaptation process, and the possible long-term effects on the victim are discussed. The role of family physicians and other subspecialties is explored within the context of the recognition and management of spouse abuse.Physicians have developed an increased sensitivity to the recognition and management of spouse abuse. Examined are clinical data and research which will enhance the physicians assessment of spouse abuse. Specific criteria useful in diagnosis and strategies helpful in the assessment process are discussed. Addressed are psychological factors involved in the adaptation process, and the possible long-term effects on the victim are discussed. The role of family physicians and other subspecialties is explored within the context of the recognition and management of spouse abuse.