Spencer Letizia
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?