Recognition of Child Abuse for the Mandated Reporter

An accurate response to child abuse starts with an adequate recognition of signals. Knowledge is a crucial link. Recognition of Child Abuse for the Mandated Reporter gives a complete overview of the different appearances of child abuse based upon a comprehensive description of several topics, including etiology, epidemiology, differential diagnosis, interventions and prevention strategies. At the same time this textbook shows us the dilemmas and thresholds caregivers encounter in the evaluation of these complex cases. Therefore, this book is an excellent resource for the mandated reporter responsible for making critical judgments. It's a hands-on support in deciding whether or not to report in order to decrease ongoing and escalating episodes of abuse as well as false accusations.Kaat M.K. Peerenboom, MD Consultant in Forensic Pediatrics Antwerp, Belgium Recognition of Child Abuse for the Mandated Reporter is a -must have- item for the library or bookshelf of every mandated reporter. With the consequences of failure to report suspected child abuse highlighted by the media, we are all much more aware that failure to act is, in itself, a rising concern among professionals and the public. This book, with chapters covering all aspects of abuse and neglect, will guide mandated reporters through the identification, reporting, and investigative phases of the protective service process. This added information will reduce the anxiety felt by many professionals when the time comes to make the call to report suspected abuse or neglect and serve to support them as they work with investigative and social service staff to ensure that children are protected from harm. I applaud the authors for their thoroughness and their ability to address the complexities involved in reporting abuse and neglect.Anne Shenberger, MSS, LSW Executive Director CASA Youth Advocates Media, Pennsylvania The new 4th edition of Recognition of Child Abuse for the Mandated Reporter is an important contribution to the field of child abuse and neglect that is very different from the many other texts written for this discipline. It provides guidance and tools for professionals of all disciplines mandated to report rather than focusing on a single discipline. This interprofessional textbook on identifying and intervening in cases of suspected child abuse and neglect provides a holistic approach that helps us understand our responsibilities and importance of working as an interprofessional team. As a family physician, we often treat both the perpetrator and the victim, putting us in an awkward position. Having the tools to address the issue and report cases of suspected abuse or neglect is crucial in caring for these children, preventing the sequelae of abuse, and even better, intervening before the abuse happens based on identifying a high risk situation.F. David Schneider, MD, MSPH Past President, Academy on Violence and Abuse Professor and Chairman of Family and Community Medicine Saint Louis University School of Medicine St. Louis, Missouri