Under minor consent laws, counselors are required to report suspicions of child abuse to Child Protective Services.

Under minor consent laws, counselors are required to report suspicions of child abuse to Child Protective Services.

• A. Notify parents immediately
• B. Report suspicions to Child Protective Services orally and in writing
• C. Ignore if the student denies abuse
• D. Refer to a school nurse

Answer: (B)

Mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse is a legal obligation for counselors, even when services are provided under minor consent laws. The required process is to report suspicions to Child Protective Services both orally and in writing. The oral report ensures immediate protective action can be taken, while the written report provides necessary documentation of the concern and the steps taken. Notifying parents right away can undermine safety and confidentiality, and ignoring the suspicion or simply referring to a school nurse does not meet the legal duty to report.

Mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse is a legal obligation for counselors, even when services are provided under minor consent laws. The required process is to report suspicions to Child Protective Services both orally and in writing. The oral report ensures immediate protective action can be taken, while the written report provides necessary documentation of the concern and the steps taken. Notifying parents right away can undermine safety and confidentiality, and ignoring the suspicion or simply referring to a school nurse does not meet the legal duty to report.