NCJ Number
184707
Date Published
2000
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Two problems in child abuse reporting--nonreporting and inappropriate reporting--are linked and must be addressed together before further progress can be made in combating child abuse and neglect; to lessen both problems, there must be a shift in priorities away from simply seeking more reports and toward encouraging better reports.
Abstract
Since the early 1960's, all States have passed laws that require designated professionals to report specified types of child maltreatment. Over the years, both the range of designated professionals and the scope of reportable conditions have been steadily expanded. Most experts agree that reports of child abuse have increased over the past 30 years, because professionals and laypersons have become more likely to report apparently abusive and neglectful situations. There is no reason for complacency, however, since in 1986 approximately 2,000 children with observable physical injuries severe enough to require hospitalization were not reported, and more than 100,000 children with moderate physical injuries went unreported, as did more than 30,000 apparently sexually abused children. In the midst of the increase in reporting, another problem has emerged; the Nation's child protective agencies are being inundated with inappropriate reports. Nationwide, between 60 and 65 percent of all reports are closed after an initial investigation determines that they are "unfounded" or "unsubstantiated." Forced to allocate a substantial portion of their limited resources to unfounded reports, child protective agencies are less able to respond promptly and effectively when children are in serious danger.