Discussion of ethical issues for counsellors as related to mandated reporting of child abuse

Society progressively alters its attitude towards children and their welfare. Therefore, expectations of parents are reviewed and changed. So to it is with child abuse. Social welfare is guided by the prevailing social beliefs, theories, and knowledge which shape political initiatives legislating the ground work and practices which frame child welfare responses to child abuse. Child abuse consists of neglect, physical and sexual abuse. This study contends that counsellor's decision around reporting suspected child abuse is influenced by a variety of factors. The defining factors of child abuse and related ethical issues for Counselling Professionals will be examined. Most child abuse occurs within the family, therefore, I will focus in this area. As professionals are mandated to respond to child abuse, this paper will speak to different issues in terms of social work and issues related to reporting child abuse to Child Protection Services. In this paper, I will use the descriptors 'counsellor' and 'therapist' inter-changeably.