Law and Ethics Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

In situations where a therapist hears about physical aggression towards a child, the primary legal duty falls on the therapist to report the incident to child protection services. This obligation stems from mandatory reporting laws that require certain professionals, including therapists, to report any suspected child abuse or neglect. The safety and well-being of the child is the paramount concern, and by notifying child protection services, the therapist ensures that appropriate authorities can investigate the situation and take necessary actions to protect the child.

While assessing the child's emotional state, educating the client about parental responsibilities, and encouraging the client to seek additional support are important aspects of therapy, they do not fulfill the legal obligation of reporting suspected child abuse. These actions can be part of a therapeutic approach, but they are secondary to the immediate responsibility to report the abuse to the appropriate authorities, making the notification to child protection services the correct answer.