title: Proposed revisions to mandatory reporting laws: an exploratory survey of child protective service agencies.
abstract: Mandatory reporting laws have created a difficult dilemma for many mental health providers (MHPs). Professional ethics, confidentiality, and the best interests of the client are often seen as conflicting with the legal obligation to report child abuse. The receptivity of child protective service (CPS) agencies to three alternative MHP reporting strategies was assessed in a national survey. The results indicate strong support for the current model of reporting and marginal support for alternatives that supply the MHP and the family with more latitude in determining when to report and how reports are handled. The results are discussed in relation to what many MHPs see as the need for more integrated, flexible, and cooperative approaches to the protection of abused and neglected children.
authors.forename: W B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Crenshaw
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Bartell
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Lichtenberg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D002669:Child Welfare / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012947:Social Work / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States