The Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment Course For Mandated Reporters

Introduction

Professional Social Workers play an important role in the safety and well being of children. They link children and families to needed community resources and supports, provide hands on adaptive skills as well as therapeutic intervention. According to the NASW Code of Ethics the social workers' primary goal is to help people in need and promote their well being. This commitment to those we serve is one of our highest ethical principles. The Code of Ethics further states, however, to this end, that "social workers' specific legal obligation may on limited occasions supercede the loyalty owed clients, and clients should be so advised" upfront.

Although social workers must make every effort to respect the clients' right to privacy and confidentiality, we must also ensure the safety and wellbeing of children. As Mandated Reporters, social workers are required to report to the State Central Registry anytime they have reasonable cause to suspect a child is being abused, maltreated or neglected.

Social workers should discuss these obligations with their clients, explaining what privacy and confidentiality means and the circumstances that would warrant disclosure. "Social Workers should inform clients, to the extent possible, about the disclosure of confidential information and the potential consequences and, when feasible, before the disclosure is made." (NASW Code of Ethics)