Parents’ Nightmare: Social Worker’s ‘Feelings’ Contribute to Child Abuse Allegations

Parents’ Nightmare: Social Worker’s ‘Feelings’ Contribute to Child Abuse Allegations
Philadelphia Councilman David Oh. Courtesy of David Oh
Petr Svab
Petr Svab
reporter
|Updated:

It’s one of the last things a parent wants to encounter—a social worker at the door with allegations of child abuse. What may come as a surprise to many is that such allegations can be based on little more than a “gut feeling.”

Those mandated to report potential child abuse are apparently encouraged to base their suspicions on signs that appear to have only a vague connection to child abuse and even may be based on the accuser’s feelings.

Petr Svab
Petr Svab
reporter
Petr Svab is a reporter covering New York. Previously, he covered national topics including politics, economy, education, and law enforcement.
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