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

"[A] concise and detailed description of a very complex issue...rich in detail and insight." --Leslie J. Temme, LCSW School of Social Work, Adelphi University "[A] 'must have' resource for practicing professionals and an invaluable teaching tool for social work students .This is precisely the book that mandated reporters seek to assist in the reporting process and understanding their legal obligations." --Keva M. Miller, PhD, LCSW School of Social Work, Portland State University In all states, social workers are required to report suspected child abuse and neglect, and face serious penalties if they fail to do so. But not all cases of abuse are obvious. Mandated reporters are thus confronted with a host of both legal and ethical quandaries when filing a report: What are the responsibilities of mandated reporters? What are appropriate grounds for reporting abuse? How and when should a report be made? Does reporting suspected abuse violate client confidentiality? What if my employer encourages me not to report my suspicions? Addressing these questions and more, this book provides clear definitions of different types of child abuse, including physical, sexual, and emotional, and delineates guidelines on how to identify risk factors and signs of child maltreatment. The authors also clarify difficult ethical issues, including client confidentiality and privileged communication, and present numerous case studies and theoretical vignettes culled from their own experiences as social workers. This guide will be the one resource mandated reporters and social work students cannot do without.