A child comes to therapy due to neglect and unhygienic conditions at home. What should the therapist do first?

The correct action in this scenario involves prioritizing the child's safety and well-being. When a therapist encounters a situation where a child is experiencing neglect and living in unhygienic conditions, it is crucial to recognize that the child's immediate safety may be at risk. Filing a child abuse report allows authorities to investigate the living conditions and take necessary steps to protect the child.

This action aligns with the legal and ethical obligations of a therapist, as mandated reporters are required to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to ensure that the child receives the necessary support and protection. By filing a report, the therapist triggers an intervention that could lead to appropriate services being provided to the family or potential removal of the child from harmful conditions, if warranted.

While assisting the child in obtaining clean clothes and a bath or assessing further for possible neglect are certainly important aspects of the therapeutic process, they do not address the immediate risk and do not fulfill the therapist’s obligation to ensure the child's safety. Identifying alternative living arrangements might be necessary later, but it cannot be prioritized before ensuring that authorities are aware of the situation and can act upon it. Prioritizing the child's safety through proper reporting is a crucial first step in handling such cases.