The question becomes what is “reasonable belief?” Reasonable Belief is defined in three categories which are; 1) the child or elderly individual discloses the abuse, 2) the child or elderly individual has unexplained injuries or explanation is not consistent with the injury and 3) …show more content…
The mandatory reporting law requires social workers to report abuse suspicions to specific protective agencies, not to disclose information to other parties (Hepworth, Rooney, Rooney, & Strom-Gottfried, 2017, p. 76). Only information that is relevant to the abuse can be disclosed to protective agencies. Other intimate details that are unrelated to the abuse must be kept confidential. Professionals that fail to report suspected abuse of a child or elderly individual can be subject to legal prosecution which could result in a misdemeanor or felony charge. In some states, such as Utah, a mandated reporter who fails to make a report when required by law may also be subject to fines and civil liability. Social workers that fail to make a report when required may be subject disciplinary action by the Social Work Licensing