Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

If a therapist witnesses a parent physically disciplining their child in public, what should the therapist do if they feel there is no immediate threat?

1. File a child abuse report immediately

2. Provide the mother with a referral to parenting classes

3. Tell the mother that the therapist is a mandated reporter

4. Take no action due to no obligation

The correct answer is: Take no action due to no obligation

In situations where a therapist witnesses physical discipline in public and assesses that there is no immediate threat to the child, it is appropriate for the therapist to take a step back and understand their legal and ethical obligations regarding reporting. If the behavior observed does not meet the criteria for child abuse as defined by law (which usually requires a certain level of harm or potential harm), there is no obligation to report the incident. Therapists are guided by mandated reporting laws which specify conditions under which they must report suspected child abuse or neglect. In this scenario, if the therapist reasonably believes that the discipline does not constitute abuse or neglect, and there’s no ongoing risk to the child, then taking no action aligns with professional standards. It is critical to recognize that physical discipline, while it may be questioned in terms of effectiveness or appropriateness, does not always equate to abuse unless it poses significant risk to the child's well-being. While other options may involve providing support or clarifying the therapist's role as a mandated reporter, they imply an immediate action or assumption of abuse that may not be warranted. Thus, understanding the boundaries of responsibility as a mandated reporter and the nuances of child discipline is essential for making informed decisions.