Therapist Development Center Practice Exam 1

When faced with a report of a child showing signs of potential abuse, what is the social worker's immediate responsibility?

1. Discuss the necessity of reporting the suspected abuse immediately.

2. Meet with the child and attempt to clarify the cause for the bruises.

3. Call the child's parents to gather more information.

4. Make a referral to a pediatrician.

The correct answer is: Discuss the necessity of reporting the suspected abuse immediately.

In situations where there are signs of potential abuse in a child, the social worker's immediate responsibility is to report the suspected abuse without delay. This urgency stems from the legal and ethical obligation to protect the child from further harm. Social workers are mandated reporters, meaning they are required by law to report any suspicions of child abuse to the appropriate authorities, typically child protective services or law enforcement. This immediate action helps ensure the child's safety and prevents further potential abuse while allowing trained professionals to conduct an investigation. Discussing the necessity of reporting does emphasize the importance of swift action, but the key focus should be on actually making the report to the authorities. Engaging in discussions or attempts to clarify the situation or investigate further can delay necessary intervention and puts the child at risk.