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Lesson Two: (Continued)
Who am I to say what’s abusive?
Health and human services professionals often feel hesitant to label behavior as
abusive. They may feel they have no right to pass judgement on other people. However,
if a reasonable suspicion exists, the protection of the child and compliance with the
law must take precedence over these concerns. This protective action is beneficial to
the parents as well, who may not recognize their behavior as abusive, or may be
reluctant to seek help.
It’s a Matter of Interpretation
Whether the child believes that they are being subjected to abuse or neglect is
a matter of interpretation. Whether the family background or the cultural traditions
recognize certain behaviors as child abuse and neglect is also a matter of interpretation.
But whether you as a mandated reporter choose to recognize sign of abuse and neglect
is a matter of choice.
Many mandated reporters choose to ignore signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect;
they choose to interpret these signs as accidents or lies, or normal family practices.
While staying in their own “comfort zone” by not acting on their suspicion,
their delay further jeopardizes the child.
Let the reporting agency (police or children’s service ) do the interpreting.
The Police Department and the Department of Children and Family Service (DCFS) have
trained professionals who have experience in interviewing, investigating, and piecing
together evidence of abuse and neglect.
Health professionals, like those in the C.A.T.S. (Children’s Assault Treatment
Services) program at Northridge Hospital, have special forensic training to detect
and verify abuse and neglect (including sexual abuse and assault).
Your job as a mandated reporter is to identify a possible problem, and then allow the
trained professionals and authorities to interpret the evidence, the circumstances,
the patterns of behavior in the child and his or her family.
One final point on interpretation. As a mandated reporter, you are probably feeling
a bit awkward about “turning someone in” or “getting the perpetrator
in trouble.” On the contrary! Think of it this way: you are facilitating the
ability for this perpetrator and/or the child to end the cycle of abuse
and neglect.
Over and over again, perpetrators and family members attest to how thankful they
are. Assistance begins with your ability to detect and report suspected instances
of abuse or neglect.
Consider Your Own Barriers to Reporting
Look at the list of perceived barriers in the previous section of this module.
Are there any that describe your fears or concerns? If so, you are absolutely normal.
What is important is that you have a plan to overcome these barriers, to confidently
fulfill your obligation as a mandated reporter.
By completing all seven modules in this self-guided in-service, you will be taking
a giant step in your ability to report your concerns or suspicions with confidence.
But until you complete these modules, here are a few pointers which may help you
overcome your own personal barriers:
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Think of how you would want someone to extend protection to your own child
(or niece or nephew) if the child were being victimized, abused, assaulted or
neglected.
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Think of reporting as a positive (rather than negative) action which
helps a child and others involved.
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Begin to familiarize yourself with the procedures or resources in
your own agency and job setting related to filing a report.
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Visualize yourself successfully making a call, and filing a report.
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Let go of your concerns surrounding the response or follow-up by the
reporting agency. It is their responsibility as professionals, and it
is beyond your control.
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