What is the role of a dentist or hygienist when it comes to reporting child abuse?

I am doing a group project for school and I can not find the answers to these following questions in my text book. Have any answers from your personal experience?

1. Who do you report the child abuse to?
2. What happens if you fail to report child abuse?
3. What protects you against law suits?

Thanks

I am just a dental hygiene student, preparing a report on this topic. I do believe that every person should report child abuse no matter who you are. I am just asking for the "laws" associated with this topic to inform my peers. Thanks everyone for your answers!

http://www.preventchildabuseny.org/pdf/M...

try this, it's specific for NY, but there is probably a similar publication for your state

http://www.ispub.com/ostia/index.php?xml...

also this, it's a journal article relating specifically to your question.

Hi There, your role to report child abuse if you are a dentist or hygenist or a medical proffesional is to report your suspisons based on any evidence you can gather to the social services for that area, if you fail to report child abuse by purpose you could be charged with perverting justice and could face a fine up to $2000 or 拢1600 a solicitor or lawer will be able to defend you if you have an honest case.

It is the personal responsibility of all of us to report child abuse.

I think the role is that same for anyone -

I am a foster Mom and you have to report anything you suspect - it is morally the right thing to do.

Most agencies will take reports anonymously if you are concerned. Try your local Childrens Aid Society or call your city hall for further information.

Failing to report - I am not sure really.

There is no reason why you should be concerned about law suits against you - remember you don't have to give your name if you are not comfortable which would eliminate this worry.

Please please if there is something regarding this you are questioning moving forward on - please don't think of yourself right now but think of that helpless child.

1.) Department of Social Services
(Or local police)
2.) It depends if it can be proven that you willfully didn't report abuse and that you knew it was occurring (this is very hard to prove)

3) The law won't protect you, but Like I said about it is hard to prove. It is a medical persons responsibility to reports suspected abuse, and failing to do so is a failure on the part of the medical system.

Karma Karma Karma

You can report it to the police but if they don't see anything then nothing is likely to be done about it. They should however still file a report and get witness statements. So then you could call Child Protective Services and they will investigate further.
If you fail to report child abuse, nothing changes obviously.
I'm not sure about the legalities involved. But you better make sure you're a viable witness. Either someone confided in you and will also tell the police the same thing, or you actually did see something.
I will also say, as the mother of an autistic child who often looks abused, looks can be deceiving. Just be careful. But at the same time, as a human being, you can't just let something go that should be taken care of.

As far as I know "every" state has on it's books a law requiring "all" health professionals to report suspected child abuse. Failure to do can result in actions against the professional by both the State and their professional licensing board. The report can be filed directly with the local police department or the State Department of Human Services. I would suggest you contact the police first as that should result in a faster response and that of course is in the best interest of the child. Being sued is unlikely unless you use this method for no other purpose than revenge when you knew that no abuse was happening.

All physicians, teachers, day care workers, counselors, social workers and any other providers of service to children are considered "mandated reporters" if they suspect child abuse. A law suit can be filed against you for negligence if you do NOT report suspected abuse in your position.
You report the suspected abuse to the child abuse hotline in your city or state. You can find it by looking in the blue pages of your phone directory or calling 411. Different states list the agencies that investigate under different names. For example: Department of Children and Family Services (in IL) and Child Protective Services (in KY.) I know because I am a teacher.
You call the agency and they investigate. They do ask for your name and contact information, but focus on the charge, not the reporter.
It is rare that someone reported traces the information and confronts you, especially with a lawsuit. If you are part of a union, a legal representative will handle the case or the dentist's insurance company may provide one.
In any case, if you suspect abuse REPORT IT. You owe it to the child. Better safe than sorry. Most cases are unfounded, but you never know. Don't leave a child at risk if you suspect abuse.

Since your question is dental-related, everyone in the dental office should have taken child-abuse-detection courses. It is not just limited to dentists and hygienists, just like CPR.

Child abuse is reported to CPS, then they take it from there. It is also documented in the child's chart, should a court case come out of it...

I can't imagine anyone failing to report... it's unethical and just not right.

What kind of lawsuits are you referring to? Slander? Defamantion of character against the parent/guardian? If the report is unfounded, it will simply go on file. If the reports are consistant, other investigative actions will be taken.

One phone call could save the life of a child, no matter how 'small' the incident may seem.