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

Is the disclosure of a 17 year old boy who is having sexual relations with his 30 year old neighbor reportable?

1. Reportable

2. Not Reportable

3. Only if the relationship was coercive

4. Reportable if he feels unsafe

The correct answer is: Not Reportable

In the context of mandatory reporting laws, the disclosure of a 17-year-old having sexual relations with a 30-year-old neighbor is not automatically reportable as child abuse in some jurisdictions. The determination hinges on the age of consent laws, which vary by state. In many places, the age of consent is set at 18, meaning that individuals under this age cannot legally consent to sexual activity with adults. However, there may be exemptions or "Romeo and Juliet" laws that address consensual relationships among adolescents and nearby age differences. Furthermore, the legality of the sexual relationship can also involve considerations about whether any coercion or power dynamics exist, particularly when there is a significant age difference. If the younger individual is deemed capable of consent within the state laws, then the relationship might not be reportable. It's essential for Marriage and Family Therapists to be aware of the nuances in their jurisdiction's laws and how they apply to disclosures made in a therapeutic context. In this instance, since the age of the boy is just under the typical age of consent and considering the common legal standards, it may fall outside of mandatory reporting unless there's evidence of coercion or unsafe conditions. This reasoning supports why the correct answer indicates that the situation is not report