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Two hundred and ninety-three randomly selected cases from a child protection service agency in a large western New York county were examined to test the hypothesis that sexual abuse allegations are investigated and processed more intensively than cases alleging other types of maltreatment. Contrary to the hypothesis, allegations of sexual abuse were substantiated at a lower rate, not investigated more intensively, and not offered more services than were other cases.

In a national survey of 907 licensed psychologists regarding mandated reporting of child maltreatment, predictors of outcome included: therapeutic alliance; role strain; therapist explicitness; family vs. individual treatment; and whether or not the client was the perpetrator. Therapists were asked to describe a case involving reporting, its impact on treatment, informed consent procedures, as well as their own attitudes and beliefs. Implications for research are discussed, and recommendations for clinical training and practice are offered.