How Social Workers' Perceptions as Mandated Reporters May Impact Reporting Suspected Child Abuse

How Social Workers’ Perceptions as Mandated Reporters May Impact Reporting Suspected Child Abuse by Dorothy Goulart MSW, Hunter College of Social Work, 1987 BA, Hunter College, 1984 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Social Work Walden University November 2018 Abstract Child maltreatment is a worldwide concern. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, social workers are mandated reporters. When there is reasonable suspicion, they are required by law to report suspected child maltreatment to the appropriate Child Protective Services office. In this study, the research problem was the underreporting of child maltreatment, even when reasonable suspicion existed. The purpose of this study, as reflected in the research questions, was to understand social workers’ perceptions of their role as mandated reporters, to explore how their perceptions impacted reporting, and to develop recommendations that could be implemented to help ensure appropriate reporting. An action research study was conducted with master’s level social workers in southern Virginia. Symbolic interaction theory was used in researching the social workers’ role and their perceptions as mandated reporters interacting with clients. Qualitative data were collected from a focus group of 6 social workers and analyzed using specific coding protocols. Six themes emerged: (a) importance of the role of social worker as a mandated reporter, (b) role conflict, (c) negative consequences, (d) feelings, (e) increased knowledge of child abuse laws, and (f) education of clients. The findings of this study may be used by regulators and agency personnel to design education, training, and supervision to help ensure social workers are prepared to appropriately respond to mandated reporting requirements.Child maltreatment is a worldwide concern. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, social workers are mandated reporters. When there is reasonable suspicion, they are required by law to report suspected child maltreatment to the appropriate Child Protective Services office. In this study, the research problem was the underreporting of child maltreatment, even when reasonable suspicion existed. The purpose of this study, as reflected in the research questions, was to understand social workers’ perceptions of their role as mandated reporters, to explore how their perceptions impacted reporting, and to develop recommendations that could be implemented to help ensure appropriate reporting. An action research study was conducted with master’s level social workers in southern Virginia. Symbolic interaction theory was used in researching the social workers’ role and their perceptions as mandated reporters interacting with clients. Qualitative data were collected from a focus group of 6 social workers and analyzed using specific coding protocols. Six themes emerged: (a) importance of the role of social worker as a mandated reporter, (b) role conflict, (c) negative consequences, (d) feelings, (e) increased knowledge of child abuse laws, and (f) education of clients. The findings of this study may be used by regulators and agency personnel to design education, training, and supervision to help ensure social workers are prepared to appropriately respond to mandated reporting requirements. How Social Workers’ Perceptions as Mandated Reporters May Impact Reporting Suspected Child Abuse by Dorothy Goulart MSW, Hunter College of Social Work, 1987 BA, Hunter College, 1984 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Social Work Walden University November 2018 Dedication I dedicate this study to all my social work colleagues, especially the six social workers who participated in my focus group who have demonstrated remarkable advocacy and clinical support for children and families, especially children most at-risk. It is my hope that the lessons-learned from this research will not only have a positive effect in addressing and treating child maltreatment in southern Virginia, but also throughout the commonwealth and nationally. I thank my husband, Rick Goulart, who also has been at my side on my journey for nearly 40 years. His emotional support, love, nurturing, wisdom and professional editing skills also made possible my three-year commitment to this research and my DSW. Special thanks to my three children and daughter-in-law, Ryan and his wife Joanie, Jonathan, and Audrey who all cheered me on when I needed it most. I appreciate all my family, friends and neighbors who constantly supported and encouraged me during this three-year process. All of this would not have been possible without my Chair and the Coordinator of the DSW program, Dr. Debora Rice, who counseled, coached, and guided me through the most difficult quarters of the program. I especially thank my second chair, Dr. Valerie Quarles, and the URR Reviewer, Dr. Cynthia Davis.