Ethical and Legal Issues in Mandatory Reporting

The purpose of this chapter is to explore ethical and legal concerns that relate to the mandatory reporting of child maltreatment including informed consent, confidentiality, reasonable suspicion, and penalties for false or nonreporting. Informed consent with individuals with limited English language skills is specifically addressed. In addition, the chapter provides an overview of the perceived benefits and challenges of mandatory reporting and who is considered a mandatory reporter in Canada. Documentation is discussed, and a case example is provided. The chapter discusses mandatory reporting legislation and both the benefits and criticism of this legislation and recording suspicions of child maltreatment will conclude the chapter.