The Impact of Mandated Reporting on the Therapeutic Process: Picking up the Pieces [Paperback]

The introduction of mandated reporting laws of suspected child maltreatment in the United States was intended to solve a problem - it has, however, also created new ones. What began as an effort to ensure that physicians were reporting physical abuse of children has expanded: psychotherapists, counsellors, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health practitioners are now included as mandated reporters. In addition, the scope of child maltreatment has broadened to include physical neglect, emotional maltreatment and sexual abuse.

The authors of this book discuss the profound effects - both positive and negative - that these changes have had on child protection services. In particular, they examine thThe introduction of mandated reporting laws of suspected child maltreatment in the United States was intended to solve a problem - it has, however, also created new ones. What began as an effort to ensure that physicians were reporting physical abuse of children has expanded: psychotherapists, counsellors, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health practitioners are now included as mandated reporters. In addition, the scope of child maltreatment has broadened to include physical neglect, emotional maltreatment and sexual abuse.

The authors of this book discuss the profound effects - both positive and negative - that these changes have had on child protection services. In particular, they examine thIntroduction
The Reporting Law and the Child Protection System
Informed Consent
The Decision to Report
Relationships with Child Protection
The Effects of Reporting on the Therapy Relationship
Therapist Strategies for Maintaining the Relationship Once a Report Has Been Made
Positive Consequences of Mandated Reports
Therapeutic and Policy Considerations