just adopted a terrified(previously beaten) puppy

Question
I just adopted a 3mth old german shepherd puppy from the SPCA.(spayed 2 weeks ago) She was found just about beaten to death in the ditch, they nursed her back to health. They would only adopt her to a *special* family, she was being sheltered at a workers house. We have had her for a week and she is still absolutely terrified of us. I have instructed my family to be very patient and not push her but she still wont come to us on her own. She gets very excited to see us in the morning or when we come home but still wont come to get any *love*. She runs to her bed and waits for us to come to her to pet her. I have experience with dog training so her past did not deter me, but it concerns me that i can not even start to train her being that she is still so skittish. Do you think that she will come around still? And what if we wait to long and the *critical* training period is over. She is a sweetheart and we really want to make this work but the aggressive tendancies of this breed is a little frightning to me if I cant start to give her some training. I would appreciate any guidance you could give to me. Thankyou in advance.
P.S. I have 5 children ages 5 to 12, and we are a very active family which is why we were looking for a larger dog.
Thanks again.

Answer
Most behaviorists say the critical socialization period is over now.  The shelter workers may have had time to undo some of the damage, but progress will be slow now.  You are off to a good start asking the family to be patient and not push her.  Delays now shouldn't cause additional problems.  

Many dogs learn to tolerate what people think i8s friendly even if dogs don't like it.  Make sure all your family and any visitors avoids making eye contact with her, letting your teeth show, towering over her, and putting your hands over her head.  Stand straight, look somebody in the eye, and a big, toothy smile works much better with people than dogs.  You also need to control your stress.  She will sense any negative emotions and think she is the problem.  

This will take a while.  if she seems to be ready for it, you might check 4-H after the beginning of the year.  In my area, clubs form soon after the first of the year. Even many urban areas have 4-H. For info look in your phone book under government listings for extension or cooperative extension offices. Ask specifically about a dog or canine club.

Your children will be bringing more and more friends home.  A Shepherd fearful of strangers will be a big problem.  You may even need a private trainer to work this out.  If the children do 4-H, the leaders may be able to help you find a good one.