Legal and clinical guidelines for making a child maltreatment report.

Abstract

Psychologists' role as mandated reporters of child maltreatment is an important responsibility. This article will provide direction to psychologists in interpreting state laws as well as practical and clinical guidance when confronted with making a report of child abuse. A review of the U.S. laws on child maltreatment reporting as they pertain to psychologists is provided. Psychologists will be guided through the process of making a report and how to handle this responsibility professionally and clinically. Important considerations are discussed with regard to psychologists maintaining compliance with their legal responsibilities and protecting children from harm. Recommendations for future training are provided. Public Significance StatementThis article offers direction to psychologists in interpreting state laws related to abuse reporting. Additionally, it provides practical and clinical guidance for psychologists when confronted with making a report of child abuse. This is especially relevant as it is highly likely that psychologists will come into contact with victims and their families as part of their professional work.

Stigma-related stress, complex correlates of disclosure, mental health, and loneliness in minor-attracted people.

“…Clinicians may also be well-served by improving their understanding of minor attraction and issues surrounding providing treatment to these clients. Recent scholarship in this area provides in-depth examination of the issues around mandatory reporting in general (Kenny et al, 2017) and with minor-attracted clients (McPhail et al, 2018). Of note, clinician stigma is a strong predictor of whether a clinician makes a mandatory report, over-and-above client characteristics (Stephens et al, 2021).…”

Parental drug use as a form of potential child maltreatment in the United States: A review of state statutes.

“…Practitioners will need to be able to identify and report forms of child abuse and neglect that are consistent with their states’ statutory definitions of maltreatment. Research has already recognized the need for repeated training for mandatory reporters due to potential changes in statutes (Kenny et al, 2017). Medical professionals’ training in mandatory reporting is generally not sufficiently frequent, or detailed, or done on entry into the profession (or preservice) (B. Mathews, personal communication, September 20, 2023).…”