Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Which scenario requires a counselor to take immediate action to report?

1. If a child has a bruise but no explanation

2. If there is a credible allegation made against a parent

3. If a teacher notices a child is withdrawn

4. If a child mentions being bullied at school

The correct answer is: If there is a credible allegation made against a parent

In the scenario involving a credible allegation made against a parent, immediate action is required because such allegations can indicate potential harm or risk to the child. Counselors are mandated reporters, which means they have a legal and ethical obligation to report suspected child abuse or neglect. A credible allegation signifies that there is a reasonable basis to believe that the child may be in danger or experiencing harmful conditions due to the parent's actions. This necessitates swift reporting to the appropriate authorities to ensure the child's safety and to initiate an investigation into the claims. In contrast, while noticing a bruise without an explanation might prompt concern and further inquiry, it does not in itself constitute a clear reason to report immediately unless there's additional context suggesting abuse. Similarly, a child's withdrawal may indicate various psychological issues that require attention but do not automatically signal abuse. Lastly, a child mentioning bullying at school, while serious and requiring action, typically falls more within the purview of school administration and mental health support rather than immediate child protective intervention like that required by credible allegations against a parent.