어린이집 원장의 아동학대 신고의무자 역할수행 경험 탐색

Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions, actual responses, and demands of child care center directors as a mandatory reporter for child abuse and neglect.
 Methods Six directors of child care center, which are legally obligated to report child abuse and neglect, were interviewed twice each. If it needs more information, one or two additional interviews were conducted by telephone or in person. A qualitative research method was used for analysis.
 Results Directors’ perceptions about a mandatory reporter for child abuse and neglect were as follows: recognized as a role that (1) should be performed by obligation, (2) is accompanied by fear, (3) is troubled by a relationship, and (4) is a difference of position in the job. The actual response to the mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect was classified into (1) observing and confirming more sensitively than an immediate report, (2) giving a direct or indirect warning rather than a report, (3) mediating conflicts related to the report, and (3) taking responsibility after careful reporting. To develop ability as a mandatory reporter for child abuse and neglect, directors’ demands were as follows: (1) improvement of education for directors obligated to report child abuse and neglect, (2) protection of reporting persons and daycare center, and (3) improvement of perspective on reporting of Child abuse and Neglect.
 Conclusions The director of the daycare center recognized that there were things to consider as a director when taking on the role of a mandatory reporter to report child abuse and neglect. Therefore, rather than reporting immediately as specified in the actual law, they prioritized their own countermeasures. In addition, in order to fulfill the role of reporting duty as the director of child care center, various improvements were requested. The results of this study will provide basic data to understand the experience of the director of a daycare center as a person obligated to report child abuse, and will be helpful preparing an effective plan for the role of a report duty officer reflecting the characteristics.