Child Abuse and Neglect

As a result of the 1974 Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, every U.S. state requires that instances of child abuse and neglect be reported to the state’s child protective service agency. However, every state has different laws surrounding mandated reporting. For example, some states name specific mandated reporters — that is, individuals who, in their professional capacity, are obligated to report suspected abuse while others do not. To protect your clients and ourselves, you need to be aware of mandated reporting laws.

Assignment Directions

In this assignment, you are to examine differences between your state’s mandated reporting laws and another state’s mandated reporting laws. You are to refer to the Child Welfare Information Gateway: Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect website. Click on the “State Statutes Search” to prepare for the assignment.

Please respond to the following:

• Use at least two paragraphs and define mandated reporting laws in your state including the following elements: definition of child abuse and neglect, mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect, penalties for failure to report child abuse and neglect, and immunity for reporters of child abuse and neglect.
• Use at least two paragraphs to define mandated reporting laws in another state of your choosing including the following elements: definition of child abuse and neglect, mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect, penalties for failure to report child abuse and neglect, and immunity for reporters of child abuse and neglect.
• Compare and contrast your state’s mandated reporting requirements with the other state using at least 3 paragraphs. How are the 2 state laws similar? How are the state laws different? Why is it important to be aware of differences in mandated reporting laws?