Why should internal investigations by a mandated reporter not occur?

Internal investigations by a mandated reporter should not occur primarily because they can interfere with the official child abuse investigation and potentially re-traumatize the child involved. When a mandated reporter conducts their own investigation, it can complicate matters for law enforcement and child protective services, who are trained and authorized to handle such cases. This interference can lead to a lack of coherent evidence collection and disrupt the procedural integrity required for a proper investigation. Additionally, if the child is interviewed multiple times or is subjected to questioning by individuals not equipped to handle sensitive situations, it can lead to further emotional distress and trauma for the child.

Thus, respecting the procedures established for dealing with child abuse cases ensures that investigations are conducted by professionals who understand how to mitigate the impact on the child while also ensuring the safety and justice of all parties involved.