Health professionals must familiarize themselves with relevant reporting statutes and arm themselves with knowledge about what constitutes neglect or abuse. In 1944, the US Supreme Court confirmed the authority of states to intervene in family relationships to protect children.

In 1961, physical child abuse was recognized by the medical profession as the “battered child syndrome,” which was characterized by severe physical injury, and even the death of a child.4 Subsequently, during the 1960s, a number of states began adopting laws 

 that suspected physical and/or sexual abuse of minors be reported.

Some jurisdictions mandate the reporting of suspected maltreatment or abuse of various vulnerable populations besides children (eg, the elderly, developmentally disabled persons, the severely disabled). Jurisdictions may require a telephone call or a written statement within 24 to 36 hours of finding out about a reportable event. Maintaining documentation that a suspected incident has been reported is important.

Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse

1. Prince v Massachusetts, 321 US 158, 165 (1944).

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

PTSD

Quizzes

Trauma And Violence

When did the US Supreme Court confirm the authority of states to intervene in family relationships to protect children? Find out in this quiz.

Mini Quiz: Obligation to Report Abuse