Decision-Making Factors in the Mandatory Reporting of Child Maltreatment

Abstract

The goal of this exploratory study was to investigate the factors that may impact a social worker's decision to report suspected child maltreatment. A volunteer sample of social workers (n = 439) from Ontario, Canada completed an online survey where they reviewed three hypothetical vignettes of potential child maltreatment (exposure to intimate partner violence, physical, emotional). Social workers responded to questions regarding their decision-making and the factors which would impact their reporting decision (legal requirements, ethnicity of caregivers, circumstances around disclosure, reporting history, consultation or supervision, field of practice). A series of multiple logistic regression analyses were performed for each version of the three vignettes. The study found that consultation or supervision were significant predictors in social worker's decision to report suspected child maltreatment. Peer consultation may assist with emotional regulation and provide an outside perspective to guide decision-making.

Statutory Threshold Wording is Associated with Child Maltreatment Reporting

“…Though we cannot make causal determinations about these associations, prior research (Brosig & Kalichman, 1992) found that legislative wording significantly affects reporting for hypothetical cases. It is also well established that reporting is affected by a plethora of case- and reporter-related variables (Alvarez et al, 2004; Ayling et al, 2019; Delaronde et al, 2000; Dinehart & Kenny, 2015; Falkiner et al, 2017; Foster et al, 2017; Hansen et al, 1997; Hupe & Stevenson, 2019; Levi & Brown, 2005; McTavish et al, 2017; Tufford & Lee, 2019), indicating that reporting rates are influenced by a range of factors. Past studies also have shown wide variation in both the training of mandated reporters and their interpretation of mandated reporting legislation (Alvarez et al, 2004; Levi & Brown, 2005; Vulliamy & Sullivan, 2000).…”

Potential Reporters of Suspected Child Maltreatment are Sensitive to the Amount of Evidence and the Potential Consequences of Reporting

“…Adults who suspect a child may be maltreated often elect not to make a formal report of their suspicion. Though we are beginning to gain a better understanding of how professionals who have regular contact with children (e.g., teachers, physicians) make formal reporting decisions (e.g., Alvarez et al, 2004 ; Beck et al, 1994 ; Talsma et al, 2015 ; Tufford & Lee, 2019 ), we know little about how adults who may not have specific training in formal reporting policies respond (but see Calheiros et al., 2020 ). Further, research on professionals’ decision-making has established that concern about consequences and confidence in ability to detect abuse are both primary barriers to formal reporting.…”

“…For instance, given prior observations of increased reporting of neglect when the child was a female ( Calheiros et al, 2016 ), our depiction of a boy may have reduced overall likelihood of reporting. Systematic exploration of such variables could enhance understanding of how formal disclosure decisions are made (see Tufford & Lee, 2019 ). In addition to diversity in the child, adult, and abuse depicted in the vignette, a more diverse sample of participants is required.…”