Professional Responsibilities in Protecting Children

This rich collection opens with an overview concerning the professional reporting of child abuse and neglect. Subsequent chapters discuss issues in the failure to report child abuse, the regulation of professional misconduct, the role of professional organizations in protecting the child, sexual abuse in child care, lawsuits and disciplinary proceedings, and strategies for organizations in the protection of children. The editors conclude with an insightful summary and analysis of regulatory agencies. A brave, harsh, well-researched, well-reasoned, and well-written book. . . . If you happen to have only 15 minutes that you can allot to reading this book, go directly to the last two chapters by Susan Wells. Unless you have the sensitivity of a cucumber or the vertebrae of the jellyfish, your medical practice will never be the same again. American Journal of Psychiatry What are the dilemmas presented when professionals subject children to abuse or fail to protect them from the maltreatment by others? These essays consider the actions required at legislative and practical levels to ensure children's protection in the professional community. This rich collection opens with an overview concerning the professional reporting of child abuse and neglect. Subsequent chapters discuss issues in the failure to report child abuse, the regulation of professional misconduct, the role of professional organizations in protecting the child, sexual abuse in child care, lawsuits and disciplinary proceedings, and strategies for organizations in the protection of children. The editors conclude with an insightful summary and analysis of regulatory agencies.

ANN MANEY is currently on the staff of the National Institute of Mental Health, Office of Prevention and Special Projects. SUSAN WELLS is Director of the project on Screening and Prioritization in Child Protective Services, National Legal Resource Center for Child Advocacy and Protection, American Bar Association, Washington, D.C.