Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Therapist Development Center Practice Exam

What should a school social worker do first when a 13-year-old girl reveals she was hit by her father?

1. A. File a CPS report

2. B. Determine the type and severity of the punishment

3. C. Develop a safety plan

4. D. Contact the client's parents

The correct answer is: B. Determine the type and severity of the punishment

In situations where a minor reveals they have been physically harmed, the primary focus must be on ensuring the child’s safety and fulfilling legal obligations concerning suspected abuse. The correct action is to file a Child Protective Services (CPS) report, as mandated by law in most jurisdictions when there are allegations of abuse. This step is crucial to initiate an investigation and provide the necessary support for the child. Determining the type and severity of the punishment is not a priority because it shifts attention away from addressing the immediate risk to the child. It is essential to first ensure the child’s safety and report the abuse rather than assessing the punishment, as this could lead to danger if the situation is ongoing. Developing a safety plan is certainly an important aspect of the response to disclosures of abuse, but it typically follows the immediate steps to ensure the safety and legal compliance, such as reporting the incident. This plan can only be appropriately formulated once the child is in a safe environment, which is initiated by contacting the appropriate authorities. Contacting the client’s parents can also complicate matters, as it may risk further jeopardizing the child’s safety or lead to retaliation. The primary responsibility in this scenario is to protect the child and ensure that the situation is handled according to