Mandatory reporting by nurses of child abuse and neglect
(2006) Mandatory reporting by nurses of child abuse and neglect. Journal of Law and Medicine 13(4):pp. 505-517.
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Abstract
Most Australian jurisdictions have mandatory reporting legislation to compel members of selected professional groups, including nurses, to report suspicions that a child has been or is likely to be subjected to abuse or neglect. This article details the legal obligations of nurses in each jurisdiction, and highlights differences between jurisdictions. Problematic features of the laws are identified, including the use of ambiguous concepts like ‘reasonable’ suspicion and ‘significant’ harm. Literature is reviewed to identify what is known about nurses’ legal knowledge, actual reporting practice, and the practical problems that arise for nurses in this context. It is concluded that empirical research needs to be conducted, because it is not known if the laws are practically effective, whether nurses have sufficient training and knowledge of their reporting duties, or what factors influence sound reporting. Such research can inform both the development of sound training systems and recommendations for legal reform.
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| RM Number: | 2007004659 |
| Status: | Published |
| Keywords: | Child abuse and neglect; Australian mandatory reporting laws ; nurses; legislation and policy; legislative differences and questions |
| Subjects: | 390000 Law, Justice and Law Enforcement |
| ID Code: | 5870 |
| Deposited By: | Walsh, Kerryann |
| Deposited On: | 02 January 2007 |
| Alternative Locations: | http://www.thomson.com.au/catalogue/shopexd.asp?id=965 |
| Copyright Owner: | Copyright 2006 Thomson Legal & Regulatory |
| Copyright Statement: | Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. |