Popular Government, Vol. 48: Spring 1983 (Classic Reprint)

Public policy in action: how North Carolina’s reporting laws protect vulnerable people

This article explains how mandatory reporting for child abuse and abuse of disabled adults works, and why it matters for public safety. It also surveys the broader role of government in shielding and supporting at‑risk groups.

This edition frames the policy landscape with concrete examples and historical context. It contrasts volunteer and mandatory reporting, explains confidentiality limits, and discusses the balance between professional duties and civic responsibility. The goal is to help public officials, professionals, and concerned citizens understand how laws are intended to identify harm, authorize intervention, and connect families with protective services.

• Learn what triggers a report, who must report, and how confidentiality and privilege interact with duty to act
• See how North Carolina’s laws evolved from voluntary to mandatory reporting and why that shift matters
• Understand the roles of different professionals—teachers, doctors, social workers, law enforcement—in safeguarding children and disabled adults
• Explore the practical impact of these laws, including how reporting influences protective services and court actions

Ideal for readers of public policy, law, social work, and government affairs who want clear, real‑world insight into how safeguarding laws are designed and applied.