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Index of suspicion: feeling not believing

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Abstract

Throughout the U.S., state laws require professionals who work with children to report cases of suspected child abuse to child protection services. Both practically and conceptually, however, significant problems arise from a lack of clarity regarding the threshold that has been set for reporting. Specifically, there is no consensus as to what constitutes reasonable suspicion, and little direction for how mandated reporters should gauge their legal and professional responsibilities when they harbor suspicion. In this paper we outline the context of the problem, discuss the nature and scope of its conceptual underpinnings, and offer recommendations for moving towards a concrete, practical solution.

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  1. Depts. of Humanities & Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Room C1743, PA, USA

    Benjamin Levi & Greg Loeben

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Levi, B., Loeben, G. Index of suspicion: feeling not believing. Theor Med Bioeth 25, 277–310 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11017-004-3136-8

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