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

In a case where a 15-year-old reports that another 15-year-old had sex with her while she was intoxicated, what is the correct reporting classification?

1. Reportable

2. Not Reportable

3. Confidential

4. Negotiate consent

The correct answer is: Reportable

In this scenario, the reporting classification is deemed reportable due to the involvement of a minor and the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident. When a minor, in this case, a 15-year-old, is involved in sexual activity while intoxicated, it raises significant concerns regarding consent and legal capacity. Under the law, minors are generally considered unable to legally consent to sexual activities, particularly if intoxicated, as this impairs their judgment and ability to make informed decisions. Therefore, the reportable classification is reinforced by the potential for criminal activity, specifically if one party may have engaged in sexual activity with another party who was not able to give valid consent at that time. Additionally, laws vary by state, but many jurisdictions have mandatory reporting laws that require professionals to report suspected child abuse or exploitation, which can include instances of sexual coercion or assault. The option pertaining to confidentiality is not applicable as it does not override the legal obligations to report allegations of abuse or exploitation when it involves minors. Similarly, negotiating consent is not a viable response in this case, since minors cannot legally provide consent, particularly when intoxication is a factor. Thus, the correct classification for this scenario is indeed reportable, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding minors and adhering to legal requirements.