Types of Elder Abuse
During a home visit, you notice that an 82-year-old client has bruises in various stages of healing. When asked, she nervously says she "falls a lot" but can't recall how the bruises happened. She appears fearful of her live-in grandson.
What is physical elder abuse?
A 7-year-old child is brought in by their caregiver. During the session, you notice visible bruises in various stages of healing on their arms and back. The caregiver says the child “falls a lot,” but the child avoids eye contact when asked. What form of abuse should you suspect?
What is physical abuse?
True or False: Therapists must be certain abuse occurred before reporting.
What is False?
This act provides federal funds to states that comply with abuse reporting guidelines.
What is the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA)?
You’re working with adolescent girls in therapy. Statistically, how many of these girls are likely to have experienced sexual abuse by age 18?
What is 1 in 4?
Involves non-consensual sexual contact with an elder.
What is sexual abuse?
During play therapy, a 6-year-old draws explicit images and uses sexual language inappropriate for their age. They also display intense fear when adult males enter the room. As a clinician, what form of abuse should this raise concern for?
What is sexual abuse?
What standard is used for determining whether a report should be filed?
What is reasonable cause to believe or suspect?
You’re seeing a teenage client who shares that a friend confided about ongoing sexual abuse at home. There’s no direct disclosure from the victim. What’s your legal duty in most states?
What is to report the suspected abuse to child protective services, as indirect disclosures can still meet the threshold for reasonable suspicion?
A school counselor reports a child who frequently wears dirty clothing, is often hungry, and appears withdrawn. When asked about meals at home, the child shrugs and says, "I eat when I find something."
A4: What is child neglect?
Includes yelling, insulting, or threatening an elder.
What is emotional or psychological abuse?
A school social worker refers a 9-year-old who arrives at school daily in dirty clothes, smells of urine, often complains of being hungry, and has untreated dental issues. What is the most likely form of mistreatment occurring?
What is neglect?
What is one consequence for failing to report suspected child abuse?
What is jail time or a fine (misdemeanor level)?
A therapist in a low-income neighborhood sees a child who appears dirty, underfed, and often late to school. There’s no evidence of intentional harm. What ethical challenge does this present?
What is the risk of mislabeling poverty as neglect, leading to discriminatory reporting?
A 7-year-old in therapy tells you his stepfather plays a “secret touching game” and asks him not to tell anyone. The child shows knowledge of sexual behavior far beyond his developmental stage.
What is child sexual abuse?
You are called to consult on a case where an 87-year-old man with dementia was dropped off at the ER with no explanation. Staff report he appears malnourished and hasn’t had medication for weeks. No one has come to visit or claimed responsibility.
What is abandonment?
You notice a previously social 10-year-old client has become withdrawn, avoids eye contact, and no longer participates in group activities. Another child in your care has become increasingly aggressive toward peers. What overarching behavioral sign could both children be exhibiting?
What is a behavioral change due to possible abuse?
What legal protection is granted to those who report suspected abuse in good faith?
What is immunity from civil and criminal liability?
You suspect abuse but aren’t entirely sure. You fear filing a report may harm the therapeutic relationship. What legal and ethical principle should guide your next step?
What is "reasonable cause to believe" or "good faith reporting"—you must report even if you are uncertain, as protection of the child overrides the risk to rapport?
A therapist working with a 10-year-old notices repeated bruising on the child’s arms. When asked, the child says, “I get in trouble a lot at home,” but quickly changes the subject. The child has become more withdrawn in recent sessions.
What is reasonable suspicion of physical abuse requiring mandatory reporting?
The illegal or improper use of an elder’s money or assets.
What is financial or material exploitation?
An adolescent presents with school failure, difficulty concentrating, and appears emotionally flat and disconnected during therapy. They don’t report any clear incidents of harm. What are two subtle indicators you should assess for possible abuse?
What are apathy and difficulty concentrating?
While conducting therapy in California, a licensed marriage and family therapist learns from an adult client that they were abused as a child. The client does not indicate that any children are currently at risk. Is the therapist required to file a report based on this disclosure?
What is no, California law does not require reporting past abuse disclosed by an adult unless there is a reasonable suspicion that a child is currently at risk?
What must therapists determine about their state’s reporting statute? (Name 2 points)
Any 2 of the following:
Who must report
Whether past abuse is included
What info must be in a report
Who to report to
Oral vs. written reports
During a family therapy session, a parent mentions they often leave their 5-year-old home alone while they work a second job. The child appears malnourished and tired. The therapist is concerned but knows the family is struggling financially.
What is suspected neglect that must be reported, regardless of socioeconomic context?