NCJ Number
168520
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 12 Issue: 6 Dated: December 1997 Pages: 847-857
Date Published
1997
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article reports the findings from an assessment of the level of satisfaction among mandated reporters of suspected child abuse who work in an upstate western New York county child protection system.
Abstract
Although the focus of the study was satisfaction among those reporters who had filed reports, comparisons were also made between those mandated reporters who filed reports and those who did not file reports. Of the 873 surveys initially distributed, 472 surveys were completed and returned for analysis. The survey consisted of 42 questions in four sections that examined respondents' reporting history and agency policy or procedures relative to reporting; reasons for not having made a report (for those who never made a report); respondents' experiences during their most recent reports (for those who had reported); and respondents' training experience and needs relative to mandated reporting. Of the 472 respondents, 28.2 percent stated they had never filed a report of suspected child maltreatment. There were no statistically significant differences between those who had and had not reported according to age, gender, and years as a mandated reporter. School principals in this study were the most satisfied with reporting results, and probation officers were the least satisfied. Considering the relatively low level of satisfaction for teachers and school counselors, child protection agencies might be well advised to make a special effort to work more closely with these groups. Recommendations are offered for child protection agencies regarding the improvement or maintenance of positive relationships with mandated reporters. 3 tables and 21 references