Foster sexual-abuse allegations disturb

Press, 21 May 1988, Page 8

Foster sexual-abuse allegations disturb

By

SUE LANCASTER

Allegations of sexual abuse against foster parents had reached “disturbing” numbers in the last two years, according to the Foster Care Federation.

“Every family suffering this allegation, whether proved or not, suffers devastating and sometimes tragic consequences, the results of which remain for many years,” said the federation’s publicity officer, Mrs Deirdre Salmond. Concerns about the vulnerability of foster parents to sexual-abuse allegations were expressed at the federation’s recent annual conference l in Hamilton.

“A high proportion of children coming into fos-

ter care have suffered sexual abuse or physical abuse,” said Mrs Salmond.

Some children who had been sexually abused became more aware of sexual advances and became promiscuous as a way of gaining attention from adults, she said. Some foster parents, who were “not as strong as they might be,” were reacting to the advances, she said.

“Normal parental affection” could also be misinterpreted by the child as a forerunner to sexual abuse because of their past experiences.

There had been a disturbing number of allegations against foster parents in the last two years and they needed to be made aware of their vul-

nerability, said Mrs Salmond.

“It is imperative that all foster families are given training in how to recognise symptoms of previous abuse, and how to protect themselves against possible abuse allegations.”

Mrs Salmond said there were instances where sexual abuse by foster parents had taken place and justice should take its course.

“However, because so many children in care appear to have suffered pre-placement abuse and confuse roles, experiences, times and misinterpret behaviour, there is perhaps a greater chance that the foster parents may be innocent than in a normal situation,” she said.