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Abstract: 

Although the phenomenon is relatively rare, many clinicians and law enforcement are reluctant to admit that children or their parents do make false sexual abuse allegations against the other parent. There is extensive empirical literature on the accuracy and malleability of memory in both children and adults, including factors which enhance or degrade the accuracy of recollection. This article surveys the significant literature on the subject, and assesses the current lack of standards and risk of bias and error in child welfare service agencies' abuse determinations and false positives with low standards of proof, and recommends a number of best practices for child forensic evaluations.

Keywords: Abuse Allegations by Children; Lack of Standards and Risk of Error; Best Practices for Child Forensic Evaluations

Affiliations:  1: University of Hawaii.