What is the main purpose of mandated reporting for counselors?

• A. To protect the counselor from lawsuits
• B. To ensure child safety and report suspected abuse
• C. To inform schools about potential threats
• D. To assist in legal prosecutions of offenders

Answer: (B)

The primary purpose of mandated reporting for counselors is to ensure child safety and report suspected abuse. Mandated reporting laws require professionals, including counselors, to report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. This obligation underscores the priority of protecting vulnerable individuals—especially children—who may be at risk of harm.

Counselors are often in a position where they may learn about potential abuse through their interactions with clients. These laws are designed to promote timely intervention by authorities who can investigate and address the situation, ultimately working to safeguard the welfare of the child. This obligation is not merely a legal formality; it reflects the ethical commitment of counselors to advocate for and protect at-risk populations.

Furthermore, other options might focus on aspects that do not capture the foundational intention of mandated reporting. Protecting counselors from lawsuits, informing schools about threats, or assisting in legal prosecutions—while related to broader issues of safety and justice—do not encapsulate the primary aim of mandated reporting, which is centered on the immediate safety and protection of children from harm.