How Should Clinicians Minimize Bias When Responding to Suspicions About Child Abuse?

Date

2023

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

AMA Journal of Ethics

Abstract

Clinicians have ethical and legal obligations to report suspected maltreatment of children. A decision to report suspected abuse is one of great ethical, clinical, and legal importance and can weigh heavily on clinicians who have established relationships with a family. Mandated reporting is done inequitably, however, with overreporting of families with low socioeconomic status and minoritized families and underreporting of families with high socioeconomic status and White families. This article canvasses evidence-based approaches to evaluating and reporting suspicion of child maltreatment in ways that minimize bias and promote equity.

Description

Keywords

mandatory reporting, clinicians, child abuse, evaluation, bias, commentary, response

Citation

Letson, M. M., & Crichton, K. G. (2023). How Should Clinicians Minimize Bias When Responding to Suspicions About Child Abuse?. AMA Journal of Ethics, 25(2), 93-99.

DOI