Re: Researchers as mandated reporters -Reply

[tom oellerich <oelleric@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

If researchers are mandated, do they advise families of the limits of
confidentiality so that families can make an informed decision about
participating in the research project? 

Tom Oellerich
Ohio University
 At 11:56 AM 9/29/98 -0500, you wrote:
>Texas Family Code ¤261.101 - Persons Required to Report 
>(a) " A person having cause to believe that a child's physical or mental
health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect
by any person shall immediately make a report as provided by this subchapter."
>(b) "If a professional has cause to believe that a child has been or may
be abused or neglected, the professional shall make a report not later than
the 48th hour after the hour the professional firsts suspects that the
child has been or may be abused or neglected.  ..."
>Professional is defined as "an individual who is licensed or certified by
the state or who is an employee of a facility licensed, certified, or
operated by the state and who, in the normal course of official duties or
duties for which a license or certification is required, has direct contact
with children."  
>
>The  definition of "professionals" in section (b) does not seem to apply
to your situation.  
>My interpretation of section (a) is that ANY person in the state of TX is
required to report if they have such knowledge.  This would include  your
interviewer/researchers.  
>
>Denise Gonzalez, LMSW
>Child Abuse/Neglect 
>Scott & White Hospital
>Temple, TX  
>254-724-7314
>
>>>> MARY I BENEDICT <mbenedic@welchlink.welch.jhu.edu> 09/29/98 08:09am >>>
>
>We are doing an evaluation study of an early intervention program that
>includes
>home visits - home assessments and some videotaping of parent-child
>interactions in South Carolina and Texas. We have set up procedures in
>case the interviewers see something that concerns them while in the home,
>but I am not clear whether researchers (the interviewers
>themselves) are included as mandated reporters in those two states? I
>would appreciate any information anyone has.
>
>Tiz Benedict
>Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
>
>
>