Therapist Development Center Practice Exam 1

What should a social worker prioritize after evaluating a child who has been sexually abused and is living with the offender?

1. Requiring the cousin to attend individual treatment.

2. Working with the parents to find alternative living arrangements for the cousin.

3. Helping the client develop a safety plan.

4. Facilitating a family session with the client, parents and cousin.

The correct answer is: Helping the client develop a safety plan.

Helping the client develop a safety plan is vital in this situation because the immediate concern is ensuring the child's physical and emotional safety. A safety plan empowers the child by giving them agency and clear strategies for protecting themselves from further harm. It typically includes actionable steps the child can take when they feel unsafe, trusted adults they can seek help from, and ways to recognize potentially dangerous situations. This approach prioritizes the child's well-being, acknowledging that the environment they are in is currently unsafe due to the presence of the offender. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring the child has tools and support to navigate their circumstances effectively. While other options may address aspects of the situation, they do not directly empower the child in the immediate context of their safety. For instance, requiring the cousin to attend individual treatment or facilitating a family session may not address the most pressing issue — the child's safety and well-being in a home where abuse has occurred. Working with the parents to find alternative living arrangements could be important down the line, but without first ensuring the child has a clear safety plan, those arrangements may come too late.