What should a therapist do if they find out a client has abused their child!
Question: What should a therapist do if they find out a client has abused their child
Just after some info!. Sensible answers only, preferably from someone who knows or has had experience!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
Hi,
I guess this would be a tricky situation for a therapist to be in, especially as telling anyone would involve breaking a confidence with the client!. If I were the therapist I think I would have to contact my supervisor or speak with another therapist about what I should would be the best way forward with this!.
I think the main thing is to firstly use your intuition and try to find out if the child is still currently in danger from this person, client or not you have a duty to make your your client is not a harm to others as well as themselves!. I would speak to my client, telling them that you appreciate that they told you but you are concerned for the child's safety as this present time!. Ask them why they told you and what they hoped would come from this and how they feel about it etc!.
If you/the therapist suspect the child could still be in danger then I would suggest ringing social services for an investigation, even an anoymous phonecall, better to be safe than sorry!.
best wishes
x
Www@Answer-Health@Com
I guess this would be a tricky situation for a therapist to be in, especially as telling anyone would involve breaking a confidence with the client!. If I were the therapist I think I would have to contact my supervisor or speak with another therapist about what I should would be the best way forward with this!.
I think the main thing is to firstly use your intuition and try to find out if the child is still currently in danger from this person, client or not you have a duty to make your your client is not a harm to others as well as themselves!. I would speak to my client, telling them that you appreciate that they told you but you are concerned for the child's safety as this present time!. Ask them why they told you and what they hoped would come from this and how they feel about it etc!.
If you/the therapist suspect the child could still be in danger then I would suggest ringing social services for an investigation, even an anoymous phonecall, better to be safe than sorry!.
best wishes
x
Www@Answer-Health@Com
Actually, it is not an option in any state in the US!. Federal law dictates that all states have a mandatory child abuse reporting law!. California's law, which I am most familiar with and which is typical for all states, mandates that any person who provides therapy, medical care, works with children (such as teachers), could see child porn (such as workers in a photo lab) and a host of other professions is a mandated reporter!. If a mandated reporter is aware or suspects that a child is being abused or may have been abused, they need to contact the police or child protective services immediately!. The law defines what is child abuse, and what is a reasonable suspicion!. The therapist does not have the option not to report, as they can be found in violation of the law for failure to report, lose thier license, be fined and face criminal and civil penalties!. You can google California's Welfare and Institutions Act 11166 if you want to see that state's law, or google child abuse reporting for your state specifically!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
In most states that I know of a therapist is a mandated reporter of abuse, so the therapist has to report the abuse to the agency concerned!. I know it is the law in Illinois, Massachusetts, and Oklahoma for certain!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
in some states, health care providers must report to child protective services if they suspect child abuse!. it's the law in California!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
sadly i dont think you can do anything!.!. confidentiality is a problem!.!.but yeah I guess it depends on the state you live in and their rules Www@Answer-Health@Com
If its in USA sue the person involved!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Call the police!. NOWWww@Answer-Health@Com