Suppose you are a psychologist in a children’s behavior disorders clinic. One of the children who comes to you for therapy shows up in your office with a large bruise that you have reason to believe, but no direct proof, was inflicted by the child’s father, who has a drinking problem. The family has an indicated case with Child Protective Services. In fact, it was Preventive Services that referred the child to your clinic for therapy. What do you do?
Explanation
Answer: C - Psychologists are mandated by law to immediately notify CPS when there is good reason to suspect the abuse or neglect of a child, whether there is clear-cut evidence or not. The worker assigned to the case will then conduct an investigation and determine whether or not the case is “indicated” and what action, if any, is appropriate. When it is deemed that the child is at “imminent risk,” that worker-not the psychologist-has the authority to physically remove the child from the home. While the psychologist should contact any known workers either in Preventive Services or CPS already on the case, the first matter of business is filing the report.
