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

When a 13-year-old client discloses sexual abuse by a camp counselor, the legal requirement is to file a report with the relevant Child Protective Services in the state where the abuse occurred or is reported. In this scenario, if the camp is located in California and the alleged abuse took place there, the correct action would involve reporting to California Child Protective Services.

Mandated reporting laws require certain professionals, including those in counseling and mental health fields, to report suspicions of abuse to the appropriate authorities to safeguard minors. This reporting duty is taken seriously by the law to ensure the safety and protection of children. It is essential to report to the Child Protective Services in the correct jurisdiction where the camp is based since laws can vary by state regarding the processing and investigation of such allegations.

While engaging with the client about informing parents or contacting the camp might be considered in practice, the primary legal obligation is to report the abuse to the appropriate authorities without delay to ensure the child's protection and that necessary investigations can begin promptly.