Addressing Concerns for Racial & Social Justice in the Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect

For over 50 years, various professionals have been required by law to report

suspicions of child abuse and neglect as “mandated reporters”. This workshop

explores the role of mandated reporting by applying foundational ethical

principles through the lens of racial & social justice. An exploration of the original

intent of mandated reporter laws will be juxtaposed with the evolution of the

legal responsibility, and resulting disproportionalities in the current system. As

society grapples with the role that certain systems, including the child welfare

system, have played in poor outcomes for children of color, it is vital that we

explore the role that individual reporters play in this process. This workshop will

provide a framework for professionals to place their role in context, with the goal

of furthering racial and social justice for all children and families.