On 25/08/2011, at 3:58 AM, RD.IBCLC wrote:

> Legaly speaking, if we encounter mothet abusing ilegal substances during pregnancy or breastfeeding, are we required to report this as a form of child abuse/neglect? 
> Aren't we mandated to report? I just mean to clarify our obligation under the law, not meaning to start a discussion of the lesser evil and CPS. 

Hi Daniela
I imagine the law is different in different places (this is an international list, after all).  Here in Australia, nurses, doctors, teachers and social workers are compulsory reporters.  That means that if they believe a child to be in danger of harm, they must make a report to the Department of Community Services' helpline. DOCS must then decide whether to open a case file and investigate.  According to the relevant Act, a child may only be removed from a home if s/he is in immediate danger.  The Act (and usually the courts) recognises that interfering with a parent/child relationship is likely to harm a child ... and that only when there is solid evidence that failure to do so will result in greater harm to the child is that interference justified.
Nina Berry
Australia

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