If a therapist learns that a 7-year-old client reports inappropriate behavior from a parent, what should they do?

When a therapist learns that a child has reported inappropriate behavior from a parent, prioritizing the child's safety and well-being is paramount. The appropriate course of action is to report the situation immediately to the proper authorities. This step is essential because therapists are mandatory reporters; they are legally obligated to report any suspected abuse or neglect to ensure the child's protection.

By reporting promptly, the therapist helps initiate an investigation to determine the validity of the child's claims and assess the child's safety in their current environment. This action can lead to necessary interventions and protection, preventing further harm to the child.

In contrast, discussing the issue with the parent first could jeopardize the child's safety, as it might alert the parent to the disclosure and potentially lead to retaliation. Advising the child to ignore the inappropriate behavior does not address the seriousness of the situation and risks normalizing harmful actions. Finally, merely documenting the information while waiting for further incidents does not adequately protect the child, as it can lead to a delay in intervention when immediate action may be necessary.