Child Neglect Case Study

Research was done to help the case manager make a well-founded decision regarding the ethical dilemma. The case manager looked at the literature on mandated reporting, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Regulations, and confidentiality. She also reviewed research on child neglect, parental substance abuse, and domestic violence.
Mandated Reporting As a social work intern, the case manager is a mandated reporter. Most states in the United States have designated mandated reporters in professions that are likely to work with or come in contact with children in their profession (Mathews & Kenny, 2008). These professionals have the training and knowledge of how to detect child abuse and neglect. By law, they are required
The state, federal government, and local organizations, in this case, define neglect differently. With different definitions of neglect, it is harder for the case manager to have a clear understanding of what behaviors are considered to be neglect of a child. Drug use and domestic violence in the home do not fall directly under Wisconsin’s definition of child neglect. Wisconsin state statute 48.981 (1) (d) defines neglect as: failure, refusal, or inability on the part of a parent, guardian, legal custodian, or other person exercising temporary or permanent control over a child, for reasons other than poverty, to provide necessary care, food, clothing, medical or dental care, or shelter so as to seriously endanger the physical health of the child (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2013).
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, any act or the failure to take action that presents an imminent risk of serious harm is considered neglect (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2013). The Wisconsin Department of Child and Family Services (2015) include putting a child at risk of harm and exposing a child to dangerous or unsafe living conditions in their definition of
Exposure to harm of a minor due to the parents’ use of illegal drugs or alcohol, if drugs are manufactured in the presences of a child, if illegal drugs or alcohol is given to the child, or if the use of substances impairs the parents’ capability to care for the child adequately it is considered child abuse and neglect (The Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2013). If Sami’s parent’s drug use exposes her to harm, it is considered neglect according to this definition. Parental substance abuse plays a significant role in the neglect of a child.
Parental Substance Abuse The National Council on Child Abuse and Family Violence (2016) stated that around eight million children are living with substance abusers. In 40 to 80 percent of families with victims of child abuse, substance abuse is present in the home. Children of substance abusers are three to four times more likely to be abused or neglected than children of parents who do not abuse substances (National Council on Child Abuse and Family Violence, 2016).
Children whose parents suffer from addiction are at a greater risk of developing a range of maladjusted behaviors. Specifically, the use of cocaine and opiates have been linked to poor parenting. Illegal drug use by parents is routinely associated with child abuse and neglect (Schroeder, Kelley, & Fals-Stewart,