The Mandatory Reporting Debate

What the paper says

Mandatory reporting is a tactic in use in New South Wales to combat child abuse and neglect. While it has been widely accepted in numerous jurisdictions worldwide, it has been subject to intense criticism. New South Wales is currently in a process of reviewing and reforming its child protection system through the Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection Services in NSW, presided over by the Hon James Wood. The Commission's report, which was released in November 2008, outlines a number of recommendations regarding mandatory reporting in NSW. In order to productively contribute to this dialogue of reform, this article outlines the benefits and disadvantages of mandatory reporting. One of the key disadvantages noted is that mandatory reporting floods child protection agencies with unsubstantiated claims, which drain resources and detract from legitimate cases of abuse and neglect. After reviewing both sides of the debate, it is evident that mandatory reporting plays an important role in bringing cases of abuse and neglect to the attention of the authorities, and therefore, its abolition would not be a productive reform initiative. Rather, a combination approach to reform is necessary, involving greater resourcing, clearer legislation, comprehensive training, public education, and the implementation of more efficient methods of intake, screening and assessment of reported cases.