Mind That Child!

As an introductory alert to parents about the dangers of child sexual abuse, Mind That Child! is an effective general program. Filmed in Ireland, the video uses an opening framing story about a 5-year-old girl named Katie who was abused by her uncle, and the reactions to the incident and consequent action taken by her mother. Dr. Fred Lowe, a psychologist; Margaret Power, a social worker; and Dr. Nollaig Byrne, a child psychologist all offer suggestions about signs that might suggest abuse problems (sudden bedwetting, increased nightmares, a marked withdrawal, etc.), and caution parents to ask indirect questions of their child if their suspicions have been aroused (direct questioning is not recommended since the abuser often threatens the child with some punitive action if he or she tells). Citing the increase of child sexual abuse both in Ireland and internationally, the experts emphasize that the problems of abuse appear in all segments of society--regardless of social class. This is recommended for libraries without similar fare. (Available from Vision Video, 2030 Wentz Church Rd., Box 540, Worcester, PA 19490, as well as Quality Books and Baker & Taylor Video.)