NCJ Number
242101
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 37 Issue: 2-3 Dated: February/March 2013 Pages: 102-109
Date Published
March 2013
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper examines how mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect can be incorporated more fully into the reporting process used by professionals.
Abstract
While mandatory reporting laws dealing with child abuse and neglect (CAN) have been found to be important tools in dealing with child maltreatment, health professionals frequently encounter challenges and barriers in the reporting process. This article examines the importance of mandatory reporting, discusses the challenges and barriers faced by health professionals, and discusses a set of practical strategies that can be used for developing a more structured and purposeful process of mandatory reporting. Studies have shown that mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect can prevent re-victimization for children at risk of maltreatment and can promote early intervention efforts at stopping the abuse and neglect. Studies on the barriers to mandatory reporting have identified the following factors that influence a health professional's decision to report CAN: lack of knowledge and recognition of CAN; health professionals' previous negative experiences dealing with child protective services (CPS); fear of physical or legal reprisal; and the potential loss of the relationship with the child and family subsequent to a report to CPS. Numerous studies have identified practical strategies that can improve the use of mandatory reporting of CAN by health professionals. These strategies are discussed in the article and include the use of private settings, assessing the caregiver's perception of suspected CAN, asking the patient for permission to divulge information related to their health, sharing of relevant medical information, and responding to the caregiver's emotions. References