When should a counselor file a report regarding suspected abuse?

• A. If the client mentions it in passing
• B. Only when there is confirmed evidence
• C. When the client discloses intent to harm
• D. When there’s reasonable suspicion of abuse

Answer: (D)

The correct choice is based on the legal and ethical obligations that counselors must adhere to when it comes to reporting suspected abuse. Counselors are mandated reporters, meaning they are legally required to report any reasonable suspicion of abuse to the appropriate authorities.

The concept of "reasonable suspicion" involves an observable concern or belief based on the information provided by the client, the counselor’s observations, or other circumstantial evidence that indicates abuse may be occurring. This does not require absolute certainty or confirmed evidence; rather, it necessitates that the counselor acts in the best interest of potential victims by reporting her suspicions.

This obligation is critical for protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring that authorities can investigate the claims appropriately. By responding to reasonable suspicion, counselors help facilitate an intervention that could protect clients who may be at risk of harm. In this context, the responder's duty is proactive rather than reactive.

Other responses may not align with the legal requirements. For instance, merely passing mention by the client does not meet the threshold for reporting, and waiting for confirmed evidence could allow potential abuse to go unrecognized and unreported. Similarly, while a client's intent to harm must be taken seriously, it primarily pertains to self-harm or harm to others rather than abuse disclosures. Thus, the