Preparing social workers as mandated reporters of suspected child maltreatment

Objectives As mandated reporters of suspected child abuse and neglect, social workers are an integral source of reports to child protective services (Krase, 2008). It is unclear what role social work education plays in... [ view full abstract ]

Objectives
As mandated reporters of suspected child abuse and neglect, social workers are an integral source of reports to child protective services (Krase, 2008). It is unclear what role social work education plays in preparing social workers for this responsibility. This study explored how undergraduate and graduate social work programs in the United States prepared students as mandated reporters.
Methods
A cross sectional design was employed using an online survey administered through Qualtrics Survey Software. Respondents were asked a series of questions about how the programs were providing social work students with content related to the obligation to report suspected child maltreatment. Questions were related to the timing of providing such content to students, as well as the content, and methods for providing such information.
Results
This study found that while the vast majority of American programs provide students with some content related to their role as reporters of child maltreatment, there are varying ways such content is provided, and many avenues for improvement.
While the vast majority of American programs provide social work students with some content related to their role as reporters of child maltreatment, the results of this study suggest there are many avenues for improvement.
Conclusion
Globally, social workers are guided by a code, which focuses on human rights, dignity, social justice and professional conduct (IFSW, 2014). Although this document does not specifically provide guidelines for the international social worker in cases of child maltreatment, it can serve as a guide for social workers facing ethical dilemmas that involve child welfare cases in countries with no mandated reporting laws. Additionally, training international social workers about the impact of child abuse and neglect could be the gateway, for countries with limited mandated reporting laws or child protective services, to begin strengthening child protective services and laws globally.