Question

Your manager, clinical director, and you discussed a concerning incident you observed during session today. As a group, a decision was made that the incident you observed is not reportable to child protective services. However, you don't agree with the decision and feel uncomfortable not reporting. What should you do?

Answer 1

A professional disagreeing with a decision not to report an incident to child protective services should voice their concerns, consult policies, and may need to file an independent report.

Step-by-step explanation:

If as a professional you believe that an incident is reportable to child protective services but the decision made by the team is otherwise, you have both an ethical and potentially a legal obligation to speak up. It is important to maintain professionalism and to continue to advocate for what you think is right. If the group's decision does not change after voicing your concerns, you should review your organization's policies, consult with a supervisor or a legal advisor, and determine if an independent report is warranted. In certain jurisdictions, professionals are mandated reporters, and failure to report suspected abuse or neglect can have legal consequences. Ignoring your concerns could also place the child at risk, which should be the primary concern in this situation.