Parents to be given access to non-reporting doctors

[~candice~]

This is just so so so wrong.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,26053793-421,00.html

Accessed 9-11-09

An excerpt...

A CHILD welfare expert has recommended that abusive parents have access to doctors who are exempt from mandatory child abuse reporting laws.

This just boggles the brain. Now parents can take their child, that they abused, to a doctor who cannot report the abuse.

PS Mods - I was not allowed to post in the other news section, is there a prohibition I don't know about?

[Believer1997]

This is amazing. Already in the US system - there is a problem with under-reporting by doctors and other caregivers. So many children at risk in a system that is just overloaded and not functioning well at all. I cannot imagine what kind of dr. would see suspected abuse and somehow agree not to report the abusers. That just boggles the mind.

[~candice~]

The article does say that the parent is required to work with a team to cure their abusive behavior, or else they will be turned in The article also says that in cases of extreme abuse the parents would be turned in automatically.

I think the reasoning is that if the parents are afraid they will be turned in, they will not take their child to get the care they need. I wonder how many children get no treatment because the parents are afraid of being turned in?

This appears to be an attempt to get abusive parents, who otherwise would not take their children for medical care to do so. It is also an attempt to treat the abusive parents in an effort to stop the abuse.

But meanwhile, the abused child is still living with the abusive parent! I personally believe that one of the first steps to stopping abuse is admitting that you are an abuser, and removing yourself from situations which permit abuse. During rehabilitation, it is normal to relapse, and this is just horrendous when children are involved. For this reason I believe the parent and child should be seperated during the rehabilitation process, not living together.

[ellarose]

Praying for Christ's return... In the meanwhile we're better get out there and spread the gospel.

[Hunterpoet]

If I'm not mistaken in the state of Ohio all health care professionals are required by law to report suspected cases of child abuse.

I would be interested in knowing what states and what doctors are exempt from this law.

[Rick-Parker]

This is the same mindset that leads to laws allowing 12 & 13 year old children to get abortions without informing the parents or informing the police about the rape of these young girls. Our society has lost it's collective mind!

[~candice~]

Why discuss the topic if you don't read the article? The article is talking about AUSTRALIA.

I am Australian, but this issue is cross cultural. This issue is just symptomatic of a larger problem infiltrating society.

[ellarose]

I am Australian, but this issue is cross cultural. This issue is just symptomatic of a larger problem infiltrating society.

Very true

[~candice~]

Why discuss the topic if you don't read the article? The article is talking about AUSTRALIA.

I am Australian, but this issue is cross cultural. This issue is just symptomatic of a larger problem infiltrating society.

Do you think it is better for a child with a broken arm not to be taken to the doctor because the parents are afraid of being reported on?

The article says that the parents have to work with a team in order to overcome their abusive behavior...or they will be reported. In extremem cases they will be reported anyway.

This is an effort to address those children whose parents will not take their kids to the doctor if they know they will be turned in. This at least tries to combat the abuse at it's core...the parents behavior. While not perfect, it is better than nothing.

You are entitled to your opinion. Obviously, I share a different opinion to you. I think all children should get medical care AND not be living with an abusive parent. Those parents who you identify as the target, obviously have something to hide, and that in itselfs tells me that they should not be in the care of children.

[~candice~]

Why discuss the topic if you don't read the article? The article is talking about AUSTRALIA.

I am Australian, but this issue is cross cultural. This issue is just symptomatic of a larger problem infiltrating society.

Do you think it is better for a child with a broken arm not to be taken to the doctor because the parents are afraid of being reported on?

The article says that the parents have to work with a team in order to overcome their abusive behavior...or they will be reported. In extremem cases they will be reported anyway.

This is an effort to address those children whose parents will not take their kids to the doctor if they know they will be turned in. This at least tries to combat the abuse at it's core...the parents behavior. While not perfect, it is better than nothing.

You are entitled to your opinion. Obviously, I share a different opinion to you. I think all children should get medical care AND not be living with an abusive parent. Those parents who you identify as the target, obviously have something to hide, and that in itselfs tells me that they should not be in the care of children.

I agree with you.

However, many kids do not get needed medical attention because the parents do not want to be turned in. So in these cases the kids are abused and get no medical attention either. How is that better? The kids still live with their parents, and get no medical attention.

I worry that this sends out a message that you can abuse your children, so long as it isn't excessive, and the doctors can't get you. That's what it feels like... a condoning of "moderate abuse".

From the point of view of the absued child, can you imagine being taken to the doctor and the doctor not helping you to escape it?

I just can't fathom what would happen if I was that doctor. If a parent brought a child before me that the parent has abused, I would not be able to send the child home with the parent.