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Abstract: 

Research on abuse of the elderly and disabled has generally paid most attention to physical abuse and physical neglect, the types of cases most often seen in medical facilities, which employ the most frequent mandatory reporters (medical social workers, physicians, and nurses). Other types of maltreatment may actually be more common, however, and may be equally devastating. Failure to report such cases, or to remedy the problem, can be stressful for victims. To examine this problem, in 2006, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation funded a study examining the effectiveness of the process by which the State of Michigan identifies adult abuse. This article discusses ways in which mandatory reporting and training can be improved and made more effective.

Keywords: mandatory reporting; mandatory reporters; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation

Affiliations:  1: Wayne State University; 2: Alabama State University.