Mandatory Reporting For Child Abuse And Neglect

Running head: MANDATORY REPORTING FOR CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
MANDATORY REPORTING FOR CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
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MANDATORY REPORTING FOR CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
Mandatory reporting is one of the legislative requirement for some particular class of
public who has to report to any of the government authorities regarding child abuse and neglect.
This term has used to narrate the requirements of the law for child abusing. The several
Parliaments of the Australian regions have enacted this mandatory reporting legislation of some
extent. These rules have differed according to their jurisdictions in all over Australia. The
various types of abuses and neglect of a child have varied to those states and territories in
Australia. There also have some other variations concerning the state of mind to report the child-
abusing and the object of saying. The subject matter regarding the abuses may differ in regions
such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect of a child (Mathews, 2014).
Section 27 of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act, 1998 has discussed the
mandatory reporting. This section has applied on a person who in the course of his employment,
such as in health care, education, residential services, service of children or who holds some
duties and responsibilities in an organisation (Lynne et al., 2015). That person holds a function to
inform the Secretary as early as possible if he suspects that the child is at risk. This paper has
focused on the mandatory reporting of child-abusing and neglect in Australia.
From birth, every child is considered to be a citizen, and they enjoy civil, social,
economic rights. Every child are unique and possesses different strengths, interests and
capabilities, recognising those characteristics are essential. A child’s well being is of utmost
importance, and taking responsibility for the same is considered to be a code of ethics (Francis &
Dugger, 2014). Allowing the children to play is also essential for their well being, growth and
development. Providing proper education to the children is another code of ethics, which is
tremendously necessary for their social development and future. The conditions of vulnerable

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MANDATORY REPORTING FOR CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
parents and children are needed to be understood (Lonne et al., 2015). However, at times the
protection of confidentiality of victim many times delays the whole procedure and the voice of
the victim goes unheard (Lonne & Parton, 2014). Protecting children against any abuse is also
considered to be an ethical code. There should be equity among children, and no child should be
treated differently.
The essential principles of the mandatory report include reporting any incident of abuse
or neglect of any child. It also includes reporting all the facts and details regarding the suspicion
or event of such occurrence. Not only the mandatory reporter but also any person who is the
witness of the child abuse suggested reporting any such incidents (Mathews & Bross, 2015).
That abuse includes all forms of violence, including mental illness, physical illness, or even
neglect, where a child is neglected and not given enough care and attention that he/she deserves
and needs. In the mentioned case, a community worker has been working on the ground of child-
abusing and neglecting. He has a professional relationship with a client and a relation between
the client’s family and the community. Assuming myself as a community worker, I have found
that my client has been neglecting his 13 years old child. I was in a dilemma that should I report
it to the office or not. However, the client has violated the principle of child protection and that
can be harmful to the development of that child. As a mandatory reporter or professional worker,
I have to maintain the code of ethics concerning the incidence of mandatory reporting, which has
fulfilled by me. There are several Rules and legislations which regarding mandatory reporting
concerning child abuse and neglect, which I have to obey such as Children and Young Persons
(Care and Protection) Act 1998, the Children’s Amendment Act of 2007, Children and
Community Services Regulations 2006, United Nations (UN) Convention, Children and

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MANDATORY REPORTING FOR CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
Community Services Act 2004 and many others. This essay aims to analyse the significance of
mandatory reporting on child-abusing and neglect.
In the given case, I would suggest the client be more responsible towards the child. A 13-
year-old teen needs a lot of attention and neglecting the child in this crucial time will hugely
impact on his mental health. The client needs to attend to the child, ignoring him/her will
traumatise him/her for the rest of the child’s life. Here, I will report the case to the Department of
Child Protection and Family Supports with information and proof for suspicion of the same. A
Mandatory Report will be submitted, and the Department will further guide as to what needs to
be done. I have to interact and consult with the client and guide him about resolving the issue. I
will have to interact with the family of the child and guide them as to their mistakes to prevent
the future occurrences of these mishaps. Teenage is a developing time in a child’s life, and if
he/she does not get the attention and care of the family, then they might get distracted towards
negativity. They might choose the wrong paths and seek the care and attention from the wrong
people. However, the privacy of the family, as well as the child, must be maintained so as not to
draw unwanted attention and ruin the situation to a greater extent. Here, a child of 13 years is
neglected by his father. This action is in clear violation of the rights of the child. The parents
must attend and care for their child. Neglecting a child might affect his/her mental condition and
get psychologically traumatised. The teenage of a child is very crucial for their development,
neglecting a child in that period might lead to the child being involved in other ill practices
(Goldman & Grimbeek, 2014). Children are the future of society and their well being is
necessary for the growth and development of the community. Any form of abuse or neglect,
intended towards children will affect the nation in the long run, their development and well-