Child Abuse, Intimate Partner Violence and Elder Abuse

Ethical Challenges in Reporting Across the Lifespan

Mental & Behavioral Health Professionals throughout the United States are

mandated reporters of suspected child maltreatment, and often required to

report concerns for intimate partner violence and/or elder abuse, as well. Legal

requirements to report are often confusing to navigate, especially in relation to

our other professional and ethical responsibilities. This course is intended for

mental and behavioral health who already have a basic understanding of their

obligations as mandated reporters, and want to explore areas that are

complicated by our professional relationships with clients across the lifespan in

light of our legal obligations. Specifically, we will explore how our reporting

obligations differ based on the social problem we are reporting about. Where do

these legal obligations to report come from? And are they ethically appropriate?