Self‐justification in decision‐making: Chinese child welfare workers' inconsistency of perceptions and experiences matters in reporting child abuse

Abstract

AbstractMandatory reporting is the central measure for child protection. However, the common alternative strategy of avoidance that is practised by child welfare workers is little discussed. This study examines the influences of child welfare workers' inconsistent perceptions and experiences on reporting. Using China Social Work Longitudinal Study 2019, a total of 2 180 child welfare workers in the child and youth service field were selected. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the perceptions and experiences associated with reporting. Child welfare workers with a moderate perception of sexual abuse (OR = 1.442*), more experiences of emotional abuse cases (OR = 1.258*) and fewer experiences of sexual abuse cases (OR = 0.703*) had greater odds of reporting than not reporting, and those with a low or moderate perception of emotional abuse (OR = 3.027*; OR = 1.691*, respectively), a moderate perception of physical abuse (OR = 1.537*) and more experiences of neglect cases (OR = 1.345*) were more likely to avoid than to not report. Social work licensure plays a moderating role. The results indicate the importance of alternative strategies, perceptions and experiences in the assessment‐decision continuum of reporting. The inconsistent perceptions and experiences of child welfare workers contribute to self‐justification in decision‐making. Implications for practices and directions for future research are discussed.