The effects of statutory requirements on child maltreatment reporting: a comparison of two state laws

Two studies investigated the effects on reporting of child abuse by licensed psychologists from two states of a) different indicators of abuse and b) different state mandatory reporting requirements. Results of both studies showed an increased tendency to report with more available evidence of abuse. However, while both sets of mandatory requirements appeared to increase reporting in the first study scenario, they had divergent effects within the second study scenario.