posted on 2019-10-07, 00:00authored byMeredith Falkiner
This dissertation examined mandatory reporting of child maltreatment by teachers in Victoria, Australia. The findings pointed to an absence of evidenced-based training as a key issue in teachers lacking the confidence to detect and appropriately report child maltreatment. Importantly, teachers are inclined to question a child they suspect is being maltreated in an effort to feel certain a report is warranted. Their questioning practices are likely to contaminate the evidentiary value of the child’s statement, negatively affecting prosecution of the perpetrator.