ASWB Clinical Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Resource

In this scenario, the appropriate action for the social worker is to contact the child protection agency after informing the family. This approach acknowledges the mandatory reporting laws that require health and mental health professionals to report any suspicions or disclosures of child abuse to ensure the safety and protection of the victim and any potential future victims.

Informing the family before making the report can be beneficial as it allows for a transparent approach, fosters trust between the social worker and the family, and prepares the family for the subsequent steps that the agency may take. It helps the family understand the seriousness of the disclosure and the need for protective interventions. However, the social worker must also ensure that this discussion does not place the daughter at further risk, especially if there is an immediate danger involved.

This course of action is crucial as it prioritizes the safety and well-being of the child while adhering to legal and ethical responsibilities. It is important to follow through with required reporting regardless of the time elapsed or whether it was perceived as an isolated incident, as the potential for ongoing risk or recurrence is always present in such situations.