According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, “approximately 48 states…designate professions whose members are mandated by law to report child maltreatment.” Of these, mental health professionals constitute one type.

Review the topic resources discussing federal and state laws governing child abuse. Locate and apply the state regulations from within the state where you plan to work when developing the chart.

Write a 750- to 1,000-word paper that discusses the similarities and differences between a counselor’s responsibilities as a mandated reporter of child abuse according to federal and state guidelines.

Include a brief reflection that summarizes your findings and provides your reaction. Your reflection should address the following:

Do the laws or regulations conflict? Do they support each other?
Did anything surprise you about the laws?
Is there anything you would change? Why or why not?
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.