Under which situation would child abuse be mandated to be reported?

Under which situation would child abuse be mandated to be reported?

• A. When a 16-year-old client is having consensual sex with a 21-year-old
• B. When a 15-year-old client is voluntarily engaging in lewd acts with a 23-year-old
• C. When a 17-year-old client reports she is the victim of rape
• D. When all clients disclose sexual activity

Answer: (C)

The situation in which child abuse must be reported involves scenarios where a minor discloses being a victim of a crime, particularly a serious crime like rape. In this context, the law mandates that professionals who work with children, including licensed counselors, must report instances of suspected child abuse or neglect. When a 17-year-old client reports being a victim of rape, it is critical to recognize that this is both a criminal act and an issue of child sexual abuse. Even though a 17-year-old is closer to adult age, they still fall under the legal definition of a minor (specifically under the age of 18), and any disclosure of sexual assault triggers mandatory reporting laws designed to protect minors from further harm. This importance stems from the need to ensure safety, provide necessary intervention, and support for the victim, as well as holding the perpetrator accountable. In contrast, the other situations involve different dynamics and may not meet the necessary threshold for mandatory reporting under child abuse laws, especially regarding consent and age differences in sexual activity.

The situation in which child abuse must be reported involves scenarios where a minor discloses being a victim of a crime, particularly a serious crime like rape. In this context, the law mandates that professionals who work with children, including licensed counselors, must report instances of suspected child abuse or neglect.

When a 17-year-old client reports being a victim of rape, it is critical to recognize that this is both a criminal act and an issue of child sexual abuse. Even though a 17-year-old is closer to adult age, they still fall under the legal definition of a minor (specifically under the age of 18), and any disclosure of sexual assault triggers mandatory reporting laws designed to protect minors from further harm.

This importance stems from the need to ensure safety, provide necessary intervention, and support for the victim, as well as holding the perpetrator accountable. In contrast, the other situations involve different dynamics and may not meet the necessary threshold for mandatory reporting under child abuse laws, especially regarding consent and age differences in sexual activity.