The Decision to Report

Abstract

This chapter presents a mandatory reporting model outlining the decision-making factors within the context of reporting suspected child abuse and neglect. The chapter begins by examining the literature on decision-making and child maltreatment and then focuses on neurological and emotional aspects of decision-making. The chapter moves to delineating the empirical factors (legal, clinician, situational, professional, and relationship) associated with mandatory reporting and specific domains within each factor. A case example provides an illustration of the decision-making process in a mandatory reporting situation.