Ethical and legal challenges of mandated child abuse reporters

BackgroundMandated reporters inconsistently report child abuse cases. Ethical dilemmas and legal challenges to reporting arise creating barriers to assist abused children and their families.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to describe professionals' ethical dilemmas and legal challenges to reporting child abuse.MethodA qualitative study was conducted to explore the ethical and legal challenges of mandated reporters when reporting child abuse. Individual interviews between 60 and 100 min were conducted with a purposive sample of 18 mandated reporters including physicians, nurses, social workers, and teachers. Grounded theory methodology was used to develop categorical themes that reflected mandated reporters' experiences and challenges.ResultThree themes emerged from the data: conflicts, time, and law as refuge. Professionals described challenges in balancing autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. There was no best solution to do no harm. The associated stigma and pressure of cultural and secular norms of child abuse inhibit professionals' action based on legal and ethical requirements. The theme of time included limited time and an uncertain future. The law provides security and refuge for professionals to find a solution to the challenges of reporting child abuse.ConclusionThe ethical and legal challenges of reporting child abuse create complex dilemmas for mandated reporters. Ethical principles are in constant opposition when negotiating rights of children and rights of parents. Supportive structures and education are needed to assist professionals in meeting their reporting obligation and solving their dilemmas.

► We explored the ethical and legal challenges of mandatory reporting child abuse.
► Three themes emerged from the data: conflicts, time, and law as refuge.
► The stigma and cultural pressure of child abuse inhibit professionals to report.
► The ethical and legal challenges of reporting child abuse create complex dilemmas.
► Supportive structures and education are needed for professionals to solve dilemmas.