Katner, D. R. & Plum, H. J.2014-05-092014-05-092002Katner, D. R. & Plum, H. J. (2002). Recognition of Child Abuse for the Mandated Reporter. In A. P. Giardino & E. R. Giardino (Eds.), Legal Issues.http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/Delivery.cfm/SSRN_ID2307217_code331389.pdf?abstractid=2307217&mirid=1http://hdl.handle.net/11212/1388The identification and investigation of alleged child abuse and neglect for purposes of medical treatment, social service intervention, or criminal prosecution are likely to involve some aspect of the legal system. First, various state statutory provisions give definitions of “child abuse” and “child neglect,” although these may differ both from state to state and within a given state, depending on the purpose of the identification. Second, state laws and regulations, as well as other legal rules, prescribe how child abuse and neglect cases are handled. Third, the legal system not only controls what may transpire in a juvenile, criminal, or divorce court setting, but also dictates some of what should occur in medical facilities. This article provides the mandated reporter an understanding of the legal systems put in place to handle child maltreatment cases.child abuseneglectMandated reportingchild maltreatmentBook chapter