Mental health professionals' experiences reporting suspected child abuse and maltreatment

Objective: The purpose of this study was to provide systematic data on the experiences of mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologi sts, and social workers) who reported cases of suspected child abuse and ma ltreatment concerning their clients. Method: Mail surveys were completed by 258 mental health professionals know n to have reported a case of suspected child abuse and maltreatment to the New York State Central Register (NYSCR) in 1993. Subjects were asked to com plete a survey describing their experience with making reports, referring t o a specific case they reported. Results: About 40% did not inform the client about the limits of confidenti ality until reportable material came up. Most clinicians reported that info rming clients about the Limits of confidentiality did not deter them from e ntering treatment. Many clinicians learned about abuse/maltreatment after a pproximately 3 months into therapy. Even very experienced clinicians usuall y consulted with others before making the report. Clinicians most typically informed the client about the report directly and before it was made, but did not call the NYSCR in the presence of the client. Following the report, most clinicians performed additional activities such as calling clients an d scheduling additional sessions. When clients evidenced resistance to cont inuing therapy, it usually dissipated after a brief period of time. In over 72% of the cases, making the report did not disrupt the relationship and i n many instances it was helpful in the therapeutic process; about 27% were continuously resistant or terminated therapy shortly after the report was m ade. Conclusions: Implications for practice, training, program development, and research are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.