Therapist Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse and Maltreatment: Factors Associated with Outcome

A mail survey of 176 mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers) known to have reported a case of suspected child abuse or maltreatment to the New York State Central Register in 1993 was conducted. Participants responded about a specific case they had reported. Positive outcomes were associated with a better quality of relationship before the report, longer length of time in treatment, and more effective therapist handling of making the report. Implications for training and research are discussed.