Mandated reporting of child abuse has rarely been examined in terms of its impact on Family Therapy (FT) systemic processes. This study is designed to assess negative experiences FTs have with mandated reporting. A survey instrument was devised to assess negative experiences of FTs with mandated reporting. The instrument was administered to 101 FTs. The results indicate four statistically significant findings regarding frequent negative experiences, largely related to the under funding and understaffed nature of Child Protective Services (CPS). The results also indicated that negative experiences with CPS begin in the early stages of FTs' careers.KEY WORDS: behavioral sciences and the law; child sexual abuse; child abuse; family therapy.

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Mandated reporting of child abuse by Family Therapists (FTs) has been examined by the authors in two previous studies. The first study found that mandated reporting issues negatively affected FTs' abilities to maintain a systemic focus. The second study surveyed types and frequencies of negative experiences of FTs with mandated reporting. A 46-item questionnaire was administered to 101 FTs. Results were significant for four of the items. The respondents also provided 116 comments related to mandated reporting experiences. This study provides a qualitative analysis of the written comments of the respondents regarding their xexperiences with mandated reporting of child abuse.KEY WORDS: behavioral sciences and the law; child sexual abuse; child abuse; family therapy.

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