What should a counselor prioritize if a minor client discloses abuse?

• A. Manage client’s feelings about the abuse
• B. Report it according to legal requirements
• C. Confront the abuser directly
• D. Keep the disclosure confidential to protect the client

Answer: (B)

When a minor client discloses abuse, prioritizing reporting the abuse according to legal requirements is crucial due to several reasons tied to ethical obligations and legal mandates that govern counseling practice. Counselors are mandated reporters, meaning they are legally required to report suspected or confirmed cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities. This duty aims to protect the well-being and safety of the minor, ensuring they receive the necessary protection and intervention from abusive situations.

Prioritizing the report also aligns with the ethical responsibility to protect clients from harm. When abuse is disclosed, the immediate focus should be on safeguarding the minor, which may necessitate the involvement of child protective services or law enforcement. This action can help prevent further harm to the minor and allow for appropriate investigations into the abuse.

While managing the client's feelings about their experience and maintaining confidentiality are important aspects of the therapeutic process, they cannot take precedence over the legal responsibility to report abuse. Confronting the abuser directly is not a proper course of action for a counselor, as it could place the minor in more danger and complicate legal proceedings.

In summary, fulfilling the obligation to report abuse is essential and serves as a vital step in ensuring the safety and protection of the minor client, which is the counselor's primary