The criminal justice system's effectiveness is limited because of four main obstacles to the admissibility of children's testimony: (1) the degree of credibility; (2) the perception that child sexual abuse offenders are mentally disordered and not necessarily criminally responsible; (3) the fear that the child will be traumatized by the process and outcome of the case; and (4) many prosecutors' desire for corroborating physical evidence. A key element in the debate over victim's versus defendant's rights are the Constitutional guarantees of a public trial and the defendant's right to confront the accuser. Many child sexual abuse cases have been inhibited by an dual investigatory system, involving both the criminal justice and child protective services systems, which has often been poorly coordinated. Research has indicated that the investigation and court procedures related to a child sexual abuse case can inflict additional stress and trauma on an already vulnerable child and family. Several recommendations for improved procedures include enhanced investigatory staff training, modified procedures to facilitate child testimony, court appointment of a special child advocate, and the development of child-courtrooms. 17 references