What must psychologists do if they suspect child abuse during their professional practice?

Psychologists are mandated reporters, which means that if they have reasonable suspicion of child abuse, they are legally required to report that suspicion to the appropriate authorities. This obligation is rooted in the responsibility to protect the welfare of children and to ensure that any potential abuse is investigated by trained professionals. Reporting suspected child abuse allows child protective services or law enforcement to take necessary actions to protect the child, whereas failing to report can leave the child in danger.

In addition to legal requirements, ethical guidelines in psychology emphasize the importance of protecting vulnerable populations, particularly children. By reporting suspected abuse, psychologists contribute to the safety and well-being of the child and support the necessary interventions that might be needed.

While consulting with a legal advisor may be a prudent step for psychologists wanting to navigate the complexities of the law related to child abuse reporting, the immediate action is to make the report. Confronting the parents directly typically is not advised because it can compromise investigations and may place the child in further danger. Documenting concerns without reporting does not fulfill the legal and ethical obligations and can perpetuate the cycle of abuse without intervention.