Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse: Considerations and Guidelines for Mental Health Counselors

Abstract

Mental health counselors serve as mandated reporters of child abuse. Considerations for practice for clinical mental health counselors when reporting child abuse are reviewed. Issues central to the decision to report are discussed, as well as possible outcomes of the report. The nature of suspecting abuse rather than proving abuse is reviewed, as are resistance to reporting and suggestions for how to counter resistance. Counseling techniques to use in session when abuse is suspected are discussed, as are the clinical implications in the aftermath of a report. Online resources related to child abuse are provided.