CSA workers frequently have little consistent or informed preparation, and must rely on their own beliefs and attitudes, particularly when dealing with incest. They tend to believe the mother knew about the incest and is somehow to blame. Criticism of mothers falls into four major categories: (1) non-fulfillment of their role as a wife, lack of sexual relations; (2) involvement or unconscious collusion in the incest; (3) depiction of them as sick, absent or rejecting; and (4) the victims' anger. Research suggests that mother blame pervades much of the thinking and understanding of policy makers as well as workers and that therapeutic practice can be strongly biased by this belief to the detriment of both child and mother. The article suggests that government agencies and other institutions examine their programs for such a belief and explicitly address its consequences to ensure that the professions do not perpetuate the practice of mother blame. Notes, references