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The factors driving teacher reporting behaviour regarding child abuse and neglect. A quantitative vignette study
Fri, September 5, 8:00 to 9:15am, Deree | Classrooms, DC 603Abstract
In Hungary, the primary type of crime involving children aged 0 to 13 years is classified as abuse of a minor. In addition to the officially recorded offenses, many more children are identified as victims of abuse or neglect within the child protection system.
To prevent and stop child abuse, the child protection system includes a reporting system involving all professionals who interact with children. Most reports are submitted by schools each year, as children spend a significant amount of time there. According to legislation, teachers are required to report any suspected abuse to child protection services.
Deciding whether to report suspected child maltreatment is a complex process often based on insufficient or ambiguous information and the pressure of time (López et al. 2015). While child protection decision-making is generally guided by established protocols, the ultimate decision to report a case relies on the discretion of the professional involved. (Jud&Gartenhauser 2015).
To better understand the factors influencing teachers' willingness to report cases of child maltreatment, we conducted a quantitative vignette study. We developed vignette scenarios describing various types of maltreatment, such as domestic violence, emotional abuse and neglect. These vignettes were used to assess the factors that affect teachers' ability to detect and their willingness to report incidents of child abuse and neglect. A sample of 270 teachers responded to a series of 32 hypothetical scenarios, rating each vignette on a 5-point scale regarding the likelihood of the child being at risk (detection) and the likelihood of reporting (reporting). The responses were analyzed using multivariable, multilevel models. The results indicate that the complex decision-making process of teachers is influenced by factors such as the type of maltreatment and the financial circumstances of families. Our findings contribute to the development of measures aimed at preventing child victimization.