Wednesday, December 1, 2010

If you are a health professional and you suspect child abuse, can you hold the child from their parents


If you are a health professional and you suspect child abuse, can you hold the child from their parents?
This is hypothetical, we were discussing this in a counseling class.
Law & Ethics - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
You are required by law to report it
2 :
No. That is kidnapping and possibly false imprisonment. The health professional has an obligation to report suspeced abuse to social services.
3 :
As health professionals are mandated reporters in most states, it is important to make a report to the Department of Family and Children services immediately upon discovering, or suspecting abuse. If possible, the call should be made while the child is in care, this way DFCS can make a recommendation to stall until a caseworker can arrive, or allow the child to go home, with a home visit to follow. In cases where severe trauma or sexual abuse is suspected, a call to law enforcement may provide the opportunity to protect the child and speed the referral process with DFCS.
4 :
If you think a kid is in danger you need to report it as fast as possible. You can strongly recommend the child remain in the hospital for observation. You can tell the parents the child needs to be held in the ER for observation. If the parents want to take the kid you can insist they sign an "Against Medical Advice" form. In many cases these three tactics will keep the kid under observation and safe until law enforcement gets there. If law enforcement does not get there in time and you tried your best to hold the kid legally, you did all you can. You can not hold the kid against the wishes of the parents.
5 :
No. You call the police (as required by law) and they handle it.




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