NCJ Number
105115
Date Published
1986
Length
37 pages
Annotation
This pamphlet is intended to guide mental health professionals and others in the helping fields to understand their responsibilities under the California child abuse reporting statute, identify and assess child abuse, and treat child abuse cases.
Abstract
The pamphlet explains why specified professionals must report suspected child abuse, what to report, who must report, when and to whom to report, immunity and other protections for the reporter, and liabilities for failure to report. Also covered are the responsibilities of an agency employing a mandated reporter, the licensing requirement, and feedback to the reporter. Guidance for identifying child abuse pertains to environmental, parental, physical, and behavioral indicators. Assessment guidelines relate to both the verbal and nonverbal child as well as to the family. Treatment issues discussed are confidentiality, therapists' reactions in working with child abuse, helpful interventions, and nonhelpful interventions. Some common questions about child abuse are posed and answered. Appendixes contain data on reported cases of child abuse in California for 1980-84, sample reporting forms, sample confidentiality policies and community resources, and statewide and national resources. 31-item selected bibliography.