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The Influence Of Case And Professional Variables On The Identification And Reporting Of Child Maltreatment: A Study Of Licensed Psychologists And Certified Masters Social Workers, David J. Hansen, Kurt M. Bumby, Lori M. Lundquist, Reginald M. Chandler, Peter T. Le, Kristine T. Futa

Department of Psychology: Faculty Publications

All 50 states have laws requiring mental health and other professionals to report suspected maltreatment. Unfortunately, many professionals who are mandated to report suspicions of child maltreatment often fail to recognize potential maltreatment or fail to report their suspicions. The present study examines several factors that may influence identification and reporting of child maltreatment. Subjects were licensed psychologists in the Midwest and certified Masters social workers in Nebraska. Child maltreatment included neglect, physical abuse, psychological maltreatment, and sexual abuse. Characteristics associated with the family or “case” (race, socioeconomic status of family, age of victim, type of maltreatment) were manipulated and …