Therapist’s Duty to Report Child Abuse

Therapists are one of many mandated reporters who must consider reporting child abuse if they have “reasonable cause” to believe their patient suffered abuse—but what about when their patient is an adult reporting past child abuse?  This should be carefully considered where such a report may undermine the therapeutic relationship, particularly if it is not warranted under the law or in fact.  If an adult patient discloses past abuse they suffered as a child, the obligation to report may depend on whether the alleged perpetrator is still able to harm children.  Are there minor siblings still living at home with the parent that allegedly abused the adult patient as a child? 

If a therapist has reasonable cause to believe a child has suffered abuse or neglect, then they must report immediately but “reasonable cause” can present its own issues.  Consider where the patient, either an adult relating something from childhood or a child, may have psychosis and routinely experience hallucinations or delusions.

Certainly, if you are a practitioner without a professional mentor, you may consider seeking legal advice.