Date of Award
5-2024
Document Type
Project
Degree Name
Master of Social Work
Department
School of Social Work
First Reader/Committee Chair
Deirdre Lanesskog
Abstract
Child abuse is a prevalent problem on many levels. Mandated reporting laws exist to promote earlier intervention. Studies have shown that mandated reporters are more likely to report if they receive effective training. Protestant church workers interact with many children and need to have enough knowledge to detect and report child abuse. This study utilized a quantitative online survey to answer the question: What are Protestant clergy and church workers’ knowledge about child abuse reporting? Child abuse reporting knowledge was measured in categories of victimization, detection, and reporting. A convenience sample was obtained from attendees at a church conference. Correlational analysis and ANOVA tests were used to detect any association between child abuse knowledge and suspicions, and child abuse knowledge and reporting. This study’s results showed no significant correlation between knowledge and reporting behavior. The results from this study may be useful for social workers, particularly those working in child welfare systems, who work with church workers. Child welfare social workers could address any concerns or knowledge gaps that church workers may have. They may also make changes to child abuse reporting trainings and department policies.
Recommended Citation
Juedes, Rachel, "PROTESTANT CHURCH WORKERS' KNOWLEDGE OF CHILD ABUSE REPORTING AND REPORTING BEHAVIOR" (2024). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 1977.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/1977