How much harm to a child does there need to be for a report to be made?

Question

Hi, i'm studying nursing at uni, and we are currently doing a medical law course and i am having trouble with this question. The question is based on legal position, advocacy and skills.

Answer 1

you really don't need to do any thing more then just call the police anonymously, If you wait too long it might be to late.    

Answer 2

The law in most states includes an obligation to report suspicion of abuse.  You do not have to consider or know the severity.

Failure to report may involve criminal prosecution.

Answer 3

I would think a report should be made at the first indication of abuse. Let the court decide afterward.  

Answer 4

Since you're not an employee of CPS, all you can do is make the phone call at the first SUSPICION of abuse.  You do not need any proof, just suspicion - and you're legally obligated to make the call.

Answer 5

if I catch a loser hurting a child there will not be a need for a  report and there won't be any more hurting(to the child) going on.

Answer 6

If there are any visible signs of abuse, it must be reported.  If in doubt, report it.  Investigators will make the determination.  Better to err on the side of caution.

I once had a doctor question me about my daughter.  She had a row of 3 small burns, not bad burns but symmetrical.  She had leaned on hair curlers.  I was glad she questioned it because it made me think that her observations could save some child who was in fact being abused.

Answer 7

a report can be made for any reason from mental to physical abuse, but before you make a report about anything be sure that you have facts or you might destroy a family and put a child through pain and suffering when there was none before. only you can make that call. just be sure.

Answer 8

any marks or bruises should be enough for a report to be made.

Answer 9

i wish you luck as this is a hard question. i remember my son darted out in the street and almost got hit by a truck. his dad flipped out on him. didn't spank him but yelled loud enough for someone to call the police. so how do you decide?  we were scared and thankful.