NCJ Number
147605
Journal
Behavioral Sciences and the Law Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1994) Pages: 49-64
Date Published
1994
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article examines the interests of the persons involved in the child abuse and neglect reporting process and the complexity of taking into account these interests in the provisions of child abuse reporting laws.
Abstract
The article initially considers the legal, social, and psychological interests of the child, the accused, and the family members of both the child and the accused. It then focuses on the interests of physicians, nurses, psychologists, therapists, private agency and hospital social workers, educators, and other professionals who often face the issue of whether to report suspicions of child abuse. The article's next section addresses the interests of those who are involved in receiving, investigating, and disposing of child abuse and neglect reports: law enforcement officers, State agency social workers, lawyers, and judges. Finally, it explores the interests of legislators. Through this discussion, the article shows the rationales inherent in the reporting requirements, standards, and processes found in child abuse and neglect legislation. 55 footnotes