ASWB Clinical Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

When a social worker suspects that a child is being abused, their primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and welfare of the child. In situations where a supervisor advises caution, the social worker must balance the need to protect the child with adherence to agency protocols. However, the urgency of protecting a child from potential harm takes precedence.

The appropriate course of action involves contacting the child protection agency immediately while also informing the supervisor of this action. This ensures that the appropriate authorities are alerted to the potential abuse without unnecessary delay, reflecting the legal and ethical obligation to report suspicions of child abuse. By informing the supervisor simultaneously, the social worker maintains transparency and keeps the supervisor informed of actions being taken. This approach also permits the supervisor to support the social worker in navigating the situation effectively while ensuring the legal obligations are met.

Other actions, such as making an anonymous report, scheduling meetings, or collecting additional information without directly notifying the child protection agency, could delay necessary intervention and compromise the child's safety. It is essential for social workers to act swiftly and decisively when they believe a child may be in danger, which reinforces the importance of the chosen response in this scenario.