NCJ Number
114428
Date Published
1987
Length
230 pages
Annotation
This textbook provides an overview and State-by-State analysis of child abuse reporting legislation in the 1980's.
Abstract
A variety of innovative statutory provisions dealing with aspects of reporting are examined, including those dealing with presumption of good faith, civil and criminal penalties for false reporting, reporter confidentiality, civil liability for interfering with or failing to report, diversion for treatment, public education about reporting, and retaliation. Others relate to reporting by film processers, interviews of children without parental consent, cultural and ethnic differences, prevention of psychological harm during investigation, and time limits for resolving reports. Other initiatives provide immunity for participants in judicial proceedings and for physicians, police, and others who in good faith take a child into protective custody. The State-by-State analysis provides information on the relevant statute, who reports and to whom, triggers for reporting, contents of reports, definitions of abuse, interagency reporting, investigation, protective custody, penalties for failure to report, immunity, and privileges abrogated. Finally, a discussion is presented by civil and criminal liability and related issues that may arise from failure to report, reporting when no report is warranted, failure to take emergency protective action, and failure to provide training in the recognition of maltreatment and the duty to report.