Book Review: Plach, T. (2008). Investigating Allegations of Child and Adolescent Sexual Abuse: An Overview for Professionals. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas 192 pp

AuthorSamantha Miller,Angela M. Crossman
Published date01 December 2009
Date01 December 2009
DOI10.1177/0734016809332184
Subject MatterArticles
Book Reviews 577
raised here. The revocation issue comes up again in chapter 10, though it is not addressed in
terms of its well-known contribution to correctional facility overcrowding and its questionable
impact on public safety.
Chapter 7 ably handles the topic of “Juveniles and the Police” and chapter 8 discusses
the potential role confusion attached to juvenile probation. Chapters 9 (“Prevention and
Diversion Programs”) and 10 (“Dispositional Alternatives”) cover various programs that
have received extensive publicity, some with considerable controversy (Drug Abuse
Resistance Education [DARE], wilderness programs, restorative justice, mentoring, teen
courts, electronic monitoring, intensive supervision, foster care, treatment centers, secure
correctional facilities, and capital punishment). There is very little discussion of the exten-
sive evaluation literature on intermediate sanctions, the balanced approach that preceded
restorative justice in American juvenile justice, restitution, and community service.
The accumulating evidence on the impact of cognitive behavioral interventions and
interpersonal skill training, particularly from meta-analytic evaluation, is not raised and
there is no separate discussion to any meaningful extent of reentry and community aftercare.
Other topics with little to no coverage include risk assessment and the now discredited early
predictions of an increase in juvenile crime attributed to supposed “super-predators.” Because
the book was written in 2006, the mention of the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) omits
the exposé and scandal in Texas that resulted from abuses within the TYC system. The
chapter on “Violent Juveniles and Gangs” contains useful information on both topics, though
by combining these topics the book leaves the impression that juvenile violence is largely
attributable to gangs, which has not been established by research. Because the book was
written in 2006, the statement on page 302 that “juvenile violent crime is now increasing”
could be better qualified and the apparent contradiction with the statement on page 308 that
“the rate of juvenile violent crime arrests has consistently decreased since 1994 . . .” would
benefit from explanation.
On balance, this ambitious effort succeeds in extensively covering a substantial and
complicated set of topics and issues. Although other subjects could have been included or
more fully discussed, this textbook remains a valuable resource for use in an introductory
course on juvenile justice.
David M. Altschuler
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
Plach, T. (2008). Investigating Allegations of Child and Adolescent Sexual Abuse: An
Overview for Professionals. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas 192 pp.
DOI: 10.1177/0734016809332184
As a licensed clinical social worker engaged in child welfare efforts since 1975, Tom
Plach has a history of investigating allegations of child and adolescent sexual abuse. His
work as a therapist for abused adolescents in residential treatment likely informed his
understanding of the challenges faced by these children and the importance of effective

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT