Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect: A Practical Guide for Social Workers

In the wake of the 1974 Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, all 50 states enacted statutes mandating the reporting of child abuse. These laws are designed to protect children from domestic violence. Yet as an abundance of tragic cases makes clear, there is still much confusion about who is responsible for reporting suspected child abuse and how and when abuse should be reported.In all states, social workers are required to report suspected abuse and neglect, and they face serious penalties (legal and civil) if they fail to do so. Yet not all cases of abuse are as obvious, and the legal standard of ""reasonable suspicion"" varies from state to state. In addition to the legal confusion, ethical quandaries abound for the social worker who considers making a report. Does reporting suspected abuse violate client confidentiality? How do I continue working with a client if I suspect abuse? What if my employer encourages me not to report my suspicions? And what might happen to me if I'm wrong?The authors here address these concerns by explaining, in clear terms, the legal aspects surrounding mandated reporting: Who are mandated reporters? What are appropriate grounds for reporting abuse? How and when should a report be made? And, what happens after? Additionally, they offer clear guidance on the many ethical issues that surround mandated reporting. They present numerous case studies as well as theoretical vignettes - many culled from the authors' years of experience in child protective services - to show how the material may be applied in real-life situations.