Guide :: Abuse :: Child Abuse :: Responsibilites
What are my responsibilities to report child abuse?
The Code of Virginia states that the following individuals are legally obligated to report signs of abuse:
- Persons licensed to practice medicine or any of the healing arts, hospital residents or interns, nurses, or duly accredited Christian Science practitioners
- Teachers or other persons employed in public or private schools, kindergartens, or nursery schools
- Persons providing childcare full-time or part-time for pay on a regularly planned basis
- Social workers, mental health professionals, or any person responsible for the care, custody, and control of children
- Probation officers, law enforcement officers, mediators, or court-appointed special advocates
As a researcher, you may fall into a category that makes you legally obligated to report suspicions of abuse. Failure to report can result in a fine. Regardless of your legal responsibilities, the Board asks that you act in the best interests of the child.
Your ethical responsibilities as a researcher are explained in the Belmont Report. In the “Respect for Persons” section, it states that “persons with diminished autonomy are entitled to protection.” In the “Beneficence” section, it states that “Persons are treated in an ethical manner… by making efforts to secure their well-being.” In your work with children, please seek to secure their well-being by being aware of their situations and where there may be a potential for harm to them. Depending on your expertise, it may not be appropriate for you to council an abused child or to become involved in the family’s situation; in some cases, inappropriate action may put the child in a dangerous situation. Please contact the necessary authorities if you are concerned about a child’s safety and seek advice from those who are experienced in handling such situations.
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Guide :: Abuse :: Child Abuse :: Responsibilities |
