Legal Reporting Requirements

Running head: LEGAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
LEGAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
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1LEGAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Introduction
Upon reading the key components highlighted in Chapter 17, it can implied that the crux
of the contents discuss extensively on the legal requirements of mandatory requirement in the
United States. According to the concept of mandatory reporting, ‘Mandated Reporters’ are
individuals, primarily health professionals, who undergo regular interaction and contact with
certain groups of vulnerable populations, are required to engage in legally reporting any
observation, or incidence of abuse or suspected violence (Mathews, Lee & Norman, 2016). Such
vulnerable populations include: senior citizens, children, individuals who are disabled or
individuals who have encountered domestic violence (Christian & Committee on Child Abuse
and Neglect, 2015). Hence the following paper will seek to outline details required for legally
reporting such incidences by health professional, with an emphasis on child abuse.
Discussion
Objectives
The objectives of the following paper is to present a legal report on the requirements of
mandated reporting, the procedures and documentation details to be followed, the legislative
standards established by state and federal governments and the consequences in case of a failure
to report, by mandated reporters such as health professionals, in the situation of child abuse or a
child suspected of undergoing violence.
Procedures of Reporting
Mandated reporters who are in suspicion that a child may encountering abuse or neglect,
may report the incident to a toll free hotline number present in every state, or the report to the

2LEGAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
local agency of law enforcement or the local office providing child protective services. Many
states have an operating agency known as ‘Child Protection Services’ – which plays a key role in
the provision of protective services to children as well in provision of prompt response to
receiving reports of child neglect or abuse (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2019). It is
however recommended that reporters reporter their suspicions immediately and not mere
engaging in additional information or acquisition of proof, since the same may allow the
perpetrator to continue to engage in the crime and harm or engage in preparation for their
defense, and in the process, result in more damage to the victim (Dinehart & Kenny, 2015).
Hence, after reporting, the reporters are requested to allow professionals to take over the
investigation. Professionals in turn must ensure that the reports are being made in good faith as
well as ensure protection of the identity of the mandated reported (McTavish et al., 2017).
Documentation and Reporting Requirements
Reporting a situation of child abuse, can be categorized in terms of 4 areas, that is, sexual
abuse, physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse and neglect. An incidence of child
neglect maybe reported in situations where the child has been abandoned, denied adequate care
and moral, physical or emotional attention or is forced to live in circumstances which may be
injurious to the wellbeing of the child (Scott & Fraser, 2015). Hence, for reporting incidences of
child abuse, the minimum requirements which must be considered by mandated reporters such as
caregivers or health professionals caring for a child, will include the following (Child Welfare
Information Gateway, 2019):
1. The name, designation, organization or agency, contact number, address and signature of
the mandated reported.