Law and Ethics Practice Exam

How should therapists manage a situation where a child has been harmed in a domestic setting?

1. Encourage the parents to resolve the issue together

2. Make a report to Child Protective Services

3. Schedule a follow-up session to monitor the situation

4. Advise the child to avoid escalating the situation

The correct answer is: Make a report to Child Protective Services

Therapists are legally and ethically obligated to prioritize the safety and well-being of their clients, particularly when it comes to vulnerable populations such as children. In cases where a child has been harmed in a domestic setting, making a report to Child Protective Services is critical. This action is mandated by laws designed to protect children from abuse and neglect. By reporting the situation, the therapist ensures that the appropriate professionals can investigate and intervene if necessary, thereby safeguarding the child’s welfare. In contrast, encouraging the parents to resolve the issue together may minimize the seriousness of the situation, failing to address immediate safety concerns. Scheduling a follow-up session to monitor the situation does not actively protect the child, as it puts the child at risk while waiting for potential future change. Advising the child to avoid escalating the situation can also be problematic, as it may place the burden of managing the abuse on the child rather than seeking the necessary support and intervention from authorities equipped to handle such cases. Therefore, reporting to Child Protective Services is not only the most protective course of action but also aligns with legal requirements and ethical responsibilities in therapeutic practice.