Intended to help in the forensic investigation of child abuse allegations, this book explores several issues related to children's allegations of sexual abuse and subsequent testimony. Chapter 1 presents an overview of: the informational needs of child welfare agencies and the courts; the scope of the forensic assessment; and the standards and guidelines governing forensic investigations. Chapter 2 examines the major developmental changes in memory and its reconstructive nature. Chapter 3 discusses the ways in which the forensic investigation may impact the child's allegation(s) and memory of an alleged abuse, while chapter 4 discusses some of the major environmental influences upon children's allegations and memories, as well as controversies concerning children's memories of sexual abuse. Chapter 5 discusses the nonleading-leading continuum of investigative techniques, helping the investigator to recognize techniques that might modify a child's memory of an event or facilitate false allegations. Chapter 6 describes the basic knowledge, competencies, and support systems the forensic investigator should have. Chapter 7 discusses the major environmental factors that can affect the child's allegation(s), that may influence their reconstruction of the event(s) from memory, and that must be considered in the formulation of appropriate interventions. Chapter 8 discusses methods of protocol analysis. Chapter 9 differentiates between credibility and validity of allegations. Chapter 10 presents a four-step decision-making process to assist the forensic investigator in reaching the decision supported by the existing evidence. Chapter 11 highlights some of the important issues that need further exploration. Contains 133 references. (AA)