Review your state’s mandated reporter statute. Provide details about this in your post. If faced with a mandated reporter issue, what are the steps in reporting the issue? Create a mandated reporter scenario and post it. Respond to one of your peer’s scenarios using the guidelines for submission/reporting in your state. Be sure to include a reference to your state’s website related to mandated reporting.I live in Texas
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, I understand the importance of mandated reporting laws in our state. Mandated reporters are required by law to report any suspected abuse or neglect. In this post, I will review the mandated reporter statute in Texas, discuss the steps in reporting a mandated issue, provide a mandated reporter scenario, and respond to one of my peer’s scenarios.
Answer:
In Texas, the mandated reporter statute is found in the Texas Family Code Chapter 261. The statute defines a mandated reporter as any professional who has direct contact with children in the course of their professional duties. This includes healthcare professionals, educators, and social workers. The statute requires mandated reporters to report any suspected abuse or neglect immediately to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
If faced with a mandated reporter issue, the steps in reporting the issue include:
1. Make an immediate report to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
2. Provide your name, contact information, and any other relevant information.
3. Document the report, including the time, date, and content of the conversation.
4. Provide any additional information as requested by the department, including written statements or interviews.
Mandated Reporter Scenario:
As a medical professional, you suspect that one of your patients, a six-year-old boy, may be a victim of neglect. During a routine physical exam, you notice multiple bruises on his back and arms. When you ask the boy about the bruises, he becomes visibly upset and refuses to answer. While examining the boy, you also notice that he is underweight and has dental caries.
Response to Peer’s Scenario:
One of my peer’s scenarios involves a teacher suspecting that one of her students may be a victim of physical abuse. According to Texas law, the teacher is required to make an immediate report to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The teacher should provide her name, contact information, and any relevant information about the suspected abuse. This includes the child’s name, age, and any observations that led her to suspect abuse. The teacher should also document the report, including the time, date, and content of the conversation. If requested, the teacher should provide any additional information or participate in any interviews related to the report. The Texas DFPS website provides additional information and resources for mandated reporters.
