Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Laws

Abstract

Legislation which requires professionals to report suspected child abuse constitutes a major facet of social policy directed at addressing child maltreatment. Mental health professionals in general, and professionals who treat offenders in particular, are frequently made aware of situations of child abuse which are required to be reported to child protection agencies. The present paper reviews the literature relevant to child abuse reporting in settings where offenders are treated. Following the review, specific recommendations are offered for managing reports of offenders suspected of child abuse.