Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What should a therapist do if a mother is unwilling to take her child to the doctor despite concerns about possible neglect?

1. Inform the mother that she must take the child to the medical doctor

2. Process a possible child neglect report with mother

3. Schedule a meeting with mom and child

4. Schedule an appointment at a community health clinic

The correct answer is: Process a possible child neglect report with mother

Processing a possible child neglect report with the mother is the most appropriate action in this scenario. When a therapist has concerns about a child's well-being, especially regarding potential neglect, they have an ethical and legal obligation to prioritize the safety and health of the child. By discussing the situation with the mother and initiating a report, the therapist ensures that the concerns are formally recognized and can be addressed by the appropriate authorities. This approach allows for transparency and encourages the mother to engage in a dialogue about her child's needs. It may also facilitate support services being put in place for the family. The therapist's role in this situation is to advocate for the child's welfare while providing the mother with the opportunity to acknowledge the concerns and seek help. The other options may not adequately address the urgency of the situation. Simply informing the mother that she must take action does not help her understand the implications of neglect and might not lead to the necessary medical intervention. Scheduling a meeting with both the mother and the child could potentially leave the child in an unsafe situation while waiting for resolution. Additionally, scheduling an appointment at a community health clinic may not be effective given the mother's unwillingness to take initiative herself, and it could bypass the critical step of formally addressing the neglect concern.