Police, teachers, and people in the medical field are obligated by law to report cases of abuse: good or bad?

Answer 1

As a premed major I can say that it's Absolutely good. If somebody comes to you with obvious signs of abuse it is my firm belief that they came for a reason, that reason being they wanted something to be done but were to afraid to do it, therefore they came to you in confidence. Ignoring something like that could end in a very tragic death.

Answer 2

okay i am going to be honest here because i am a child welfare worker...it's both good and bad...
good - because they see more than most and can identify these issues...if they use common sense it can work and be effective
bad - because they all too often put their own values on other families and call for us to do their job...a police officer will call because they don't want to go back out and make sure things are okay when in all actuality it usually is and by making the call they put the family in a whole different stress which often turns out negative...teachers habitually call at the end of the year because they want someone to watch the family...not so much abuse or neglect...just that the family is not what they quite want them to be...that is another abuse of the system...medical professionals much of the time won't call because it takes too long and there is too much contact and they don't have the time...they often designate it to nurses who don't have all the information and things are missed...

so it is good and bad...hope that helped

Answer 3

what kind of question is this? Police don't normally knw until its reported to them, unless the drive up on it. And no its not bad. Its a good thing for it to be reported. Why should anyone get away with abusing someone because they think is was diserved or that they can get away with it? People that abuse other people need to be stopped, because in the end they end up killing someone.

And to Sharon's response. Are you kidding me? Anyone in the medical field that isn't reporting abuse needs to lose their job. No one in our area would ever just let a victim com ein for medical attention and not report it.

Answer 4

I have reported many cases of suspected abuse over the years, in the emergency room. I have never hesitated to report to the appropriate agency because while the patient is in my care I am their omsbudsman. Sometimes I am their only line of defense and I am unable to investigate any further after providing medical care. The investigation has to be done by the appropriate authorities who are trained to sort out all of the details etc. and make a determination.

Answer 5

Yes, it is a good thing. Remember, the mandate is designed to protect children, who typically can not protect themselves. Also, Police, teachers, people in the medical field and mental health / addiction field (who are also mandated reporters in my state) are hopefully more objective than some who may use the system for less than honorable purposes.

Answer 6

I don't think they are OBLIGATED to report in the medical field. They appear to cover for each other in my experience. The medical profession is like an 'ol boys club. In my 20 years experience, I've seen many cases where abuse is ignored, denied, tolerated in silence. It's quite demoralizing to watch. No one wants to be a "whistle blower".

Answer 7

As a Paramedic for 17 years, I have reported child abuse and elderly abuse, as well as neglect numerous times. We have the ability to do things that the patient themselves are often afraid of doing, or for instances of the very young or senile, we do what they are INCAPABLE of doing.

I cannot imagine myself, as someone mentioned (something asinine like the 'good ole boys'), seeing a patient who has suffered obvious abuse, then turning my back.

Not many years ago, I worked in a small town, I called Adult Protective Services so often there, that I had them on speed dial on my cell phone.

Definitely a good thing.

Answer 8

As I work in a domestic violence shelter, I am also a mandated reporter if there is any child abuse, elder abuse, homicide or suicide that could become known to me during an in-take interview.

That said, yes, it is good that certain occupations are required to report abuse. Too much goes on because "civilians" are reluctant to get involved.

Answer 9

i think it is good in most cases. abused people are frequently too afraid to call for help themselves. the reporting by doctors,teachers or police may be the only chance these people have

Answer 10

Good.
Would you want a child not to have the chance at help because the perosn who saw them didn't have to step in and take a chance at it being an honest fall off the bike and not mom or dad breaking the childs arm out of anger? Report it and save a child. Have guts and step in.