Experiences of mandated reporting among family therapists

Mandated reporting of child abuse has rarely been examined in terms of its impact on Family Therapy (FT) systemic processes. This study is designed to assess negative experiences FTs have with mandated reporting. A survey instrument was devised to assess negative experiences of FTs with mandated reporting. The instrument was administered to 101 FTs. The results indicate four statistically significant findings regarding frequent negative experiences, largely related to the under funding and understaffed nature of Child Protective Services (CPS). The results also indicated that negative experiences with CPS begin in the early stages of FTs' careers. (Original abstract)