Identification and reporting of maltreated children by teachers in Israel

Teachers have a central role among professionals responsible for the welfare of children in identifying child maltreatment. However, studies conducted with teachers indicate that the rate of their reports of such cases is low. Factors which can affect teachers' judgement were examined in a study conducted among 161 teachers in Israel. An instrument constructed for the purpose of this study served to examine teachers' perception of the level of risk to the welfare of the child in situations of abuse and neglect, their willingness to report situations to the police and welfare department and factors which may affect their approach towards such cases. The results indicate a number of areas in identifying and reporting cases of child maltreatment which teachers may disregard. Suggestions which could aid teachers to fulfill their important responsibility in the protection of children are discussed.