ADULT VOLUNTEERS FEAR SEX ABUSE ALLEGATIONS.(MAIN)

Byline: DAVID FOSTER - Associated Press

Priests, teachers, coaches, scoutmasters -- people once considered pillars of any community, trusted as role models for children -- now often find themselves under a cloud of suspicion.

Fear of sexual abuse allegations has prompted some adults to stop working with children altogether. Others try to protect themselves by withholding the physical affection shared freely in more trusting days.

"What you are seeing is sexual abuse hysteria," said Dr. Richard Gardner, professor of child psychiatry at Columbia University. "People are running scared. You can't touch kids anymore."

It's not that young children no longer crave hugs, kisses, cuddles or pats on the back.

"Children need …