WHAT WILL IT COST ME IF I REPORT? (FROM CHILD ABUSE AND THE EXCEPTIONAL CHILD, 1977, BY M ANGELE THOMAS - SEE NCJ-50502)

• NCJ Number: 50505
• Author(s): B G FRASER
• Date Published: 1977
• Length: 0 pages
• Corporate Author: Council for Exceptional Children
• Sale Source: Council for Exceptional Children
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. 60 MINUTES, AUDIOCASSETTE (ONE OF SIX), 1977 PRICE QUOTED IS FOR THE ENTIRE SET

Annotation

THESE TAPED CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS ADDRESS ISSUES OF CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN CHILD ABUSE REPORTING, WITH ATTENTION TO THE COST FACED BY A PERSON REPORTING SUSPECTED INCIDENTS OF ABUSE.

Abstract

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE POINTED OUT THAT THERE ARE THREE BASIC COMPONENTS OF COSTS INVOLVED IN REPORTING CASES OF CHILD ABUSE: TIME, PERSONAL LIABILITY, AND EMOTIONAL UPHEAVAL. EACH OF THESE ASPECTS RELATE TO THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE NEED FOR AN INVESTIGATION INTO A POSSIBLE INCIDENCE OF CHILD ABUSE AND INTERVENTION IN SUSPECTED ABUSE CASES. OTHER LEGAL IMPLICATIONS SUPPORTIVE OF CASE REPORTING ARE POINTED OUT, INCLUDING A GENERAL PROTECTIN FROM DEFAMATION OF CHARACTER SUITS. IT IS ALSO NOTED THAT ANY PERSON IGNORING A LEGAL MANDATE TO REPORT ABUSE CAN BE IN CIVIL COURT; IN 60 PERCENT OF THE STATES, THIS WOULD CONSTITUTES A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. IN MANY STATES, IMMUNITY FROM PROSECUTION IS AVAILABLE FOR THE REPORTING PARTY. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT CHILD PROTECTION TEAMS BE ESTABLISHED TO PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES -- MEDICAL PATHOLOGISTS, LAWYERS, SOCIAL WORKERS, AND PSYCHIATRISTS -- IN ORDER THAT A DEFINITE PROGNOSIS, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT PLAN CAN BE EFFECTIVELY RENDERED. (BAC)