THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE POINTED OUT THAT THERE ARE THREE BASIC COMPONENTS OF COSTS INVOLVED IN REPORTING CASES OF CHILD ABUSE: TIME, PERSONAL LIABILITY, AND EMOTIONAL UPHEAVAL. EACH OF THESE ASPECTS RELATE TO THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE NEED FOR AN INVESTIGATION INTO A POSSIBLE INCIDENCE OF CHILD ABUSE AND INTERVENTION IN SUSPECTED ABUSE CASES. OTHER LEGAL IMPLICATIONS SUPPORTIVE OF CASE REPORTING ARE POINTED OUT, INCLUDING A GENERAL PROTECTIN FROM DEFAMATION OF CHARACTER SUITS. IT IS ALSO NOTED THAT ANY PERSON IGNORING A LEGAL MANDATE TO REPORT ABUSE CAN BE IN CIVIL COURT; IN 60 PERCENT OF THE STATES, THIS WOULD CONSTITUTES A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. IN MANY STATES, IMMUNITY FROM PROSECUTION IS AVAILABLE FOR THE REPORTING PARTY. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT CHILD PROTECTION TEAMS BE ESTABLISHED TO PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES -- MEDICAL PATHOLOGISTS, LAWYERS, SOCIAL WORKERS, AND PSYCHIATRISTS -- IN ORDER THAT A DEFINITE PROGNOSIS, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT PLAN CAN BE EFFECTIVELY RENDERED. (BAC)