Question

A 6-year-old girl and her mother meet with a social worker for an initial evaluation. The mother reports that her daughter has been wetting her bed nightly, which started after she returned from a week-long visit with his father. The girl tells the social worker that her father hit her with a newspaper, refused to give her any food other than dinner, and insisted on sleeping in the bed with her. The social worker should:

A. Assume that the client's mother is coaching her to strengthen her custody case.
B. Suggest that the mother speak with the father to investigate her daughter's claims.
C. Make a report of suspected child abuse.
D. Assist the child in safety planning for the next visit.

Answer 1

The social worker should report the suspected child abuse immediately to protect the child's welfare. Making assumptions or asking the mother to investigate can be harmful, and safety planning should come after a thorough investigation by the appropriate authorities.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the scenario presented, the most appropriate action for the social worker to take is to make a report of suspected child abuse. The allegations made by the daughter are serious and include physical abuse, neglect, and inappropriate sleeping arrangements. It is a mandatory duty for social workers and other professionals to report any signs or disclosures of child abuse to the appropriate authorities without delay. Once a report is made, an investigation can be conducted to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. This can also lead to providing the necessary support and intervention to the child and the family.

It is not advisable to assume that the child has been coached without evidence, nor is it appropriate to suggest that the mother investigates these claims herself as it could place the child at further risk. Safety planning at this stage would be premature as it may not address the immediate risk the child may be facing. It is essential to remember that every child has the right to be safe and protected from harm, and reporting concerns is a critical first step in safeguarding their welfare.