In this discussion, we’re going to take a look at issues associated with reporti

Question

In this discussion, we’re going to take a look at issues associated with reporting known or suspected cases of child abuse. According to the American Psychological Association Presidential Task Force on Violence and the Family, "Surveys of health care professionals, including mental health providers, indicate that professionals often fail to report identified child maltreatment, despite being trained to identify child abuse and neglect. Many professionals indicate that they do not believe others will follow through to provide the help needed by a family coping with violence." (APA, 1996, p. 63) For the purposes of this discussion, choose a state that you are interested in and respond to all of the following questions and at least 2 of your classmates’ posts.

State Cailfornia

1. How is child abuse defined in the statute?

2. Who are the mandated reporters?

3. Is any group specified as "exempt"? If yes, please explain

4. What are the penalties for failing to report?

5. Are child witnesses to domestic violence addressed in the statute? If yes, please explain 6. Do you think there is ever a good reason for a professional to fail to report child abuse?

Explanation / Answer

In California, child abuse is broadly defined to include any cruelty on a child like mental and physical abuse, sexual assault or exploitation and neglect. The mandated reporters are as follows - health practitioner, child visitation monitors, fire fighter, animal control officer, humane society officer, district attorney, school employees, film processors, clergy, social workers, day care workers, police, administrators or employees of public or private youth organisations or day camps. To mention, there is no exempted group. Failing to report this crime would attract the following- Misdemeanor; up to 6 months in jail and/or up to $1,000.

The only reason I see, when a professional fails to report is due to misunderstanding. Misunderstanding that the act is done as a way to correct the child for its behaviour.

There is no mention about child witness in domestic violence, however witnessing it also had effects psychologically.

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