CAADC Exam Free Practice Questions

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48.981 mandates reporting suspected child abuse or neglect when a professional, including a CSAC, has reasonable cause to believe a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect. “Reasonable cause” doesn’t require absolute certainty but a level of suspicion based on credible information. This duty supersedes confidentiality. A CSAC’s primary responsibility is to protect the well-being of a child, even if it means breaking confidentiality. Failing to report suspected abuse can lead to legal repercussions for the CSAC, including fines or disciplinary action by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. The scenario presented requires the CSAC to balance client confidentiality with the legal and ethical duty to protect a child. The client’s statement, while not a direct admission of abuse, constitutes “reasonable cause” due to the specific details and the potential risk to the child’s safety. The CSAC should immediately consult with a supervisor or legal counsel to confirm the necessity of reporting, but the initial assessment suggests a mandatory reporting situation. Ignoring the potential risk to the child to maintain client confidentiality would be a violation of Wisconsin law and ethical standards for CSACs. The CSAC must prioritize the child’s safety and well-being above all else.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48.981 mandates reporting suspected child abuse or neglect when a professional, including a CSAC, has reasonable cause to believe a child is being abused or neglected. This duty supersedes confidentiality. The “reasonable cause” standard requires more than a mere hunch but less than absolute certainty; it is based on objective facts that would lead a reasonable person in the same position to suspect abuse or neglect. Failure to report can result in legal penalties, including fines and potential disciplinary action against the CSAC’s license. The law aims to protect children, and counselors are considered mandated reporters due to their professional interactions with vulnerable individuals and families. This responsibility extends to situations where the information is obtained during a counseling session, emphasizing the priority of child safety. The CSAC should document the reasons for their suspicion, the steps taken to report, and any consultation with supervisors or legal counsel. The report should be made to the appropriate child protective services agency in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48.981 mandates reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. A CSAC, as a mandated reporter, must report if they have reasonable cause to suspect a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect. “Reasonable cause to suspect” implies a level of professional judgment based on observed facts or credible information, not absolute certainty. Failure to report constitutes a violation of professional ethics and state law, potentially leading to penalties and license repercussions. The counselor’s primary duty is to the child’s safety and well-being, overriding client confidentiality in such situations. The report should be made to the appropriate child protective services agency, typically the county’s Department of Children and Families. The CSAC is not required to conduct a full investigation but must relay the information that led to their suspicion. The counselor should also document the reasons for their suspicion and the reporting process. It’s crucial to understand the specific definitions of abuse and neglect as defined by Wisconsin law, which includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as neglectful acts such as abandonment or failure to provide necessary care.

This question delves into the application of the Stages of Change model (also known as the Transtheoretical Model) in substance abuse counseling, specifically focusing on motivational interviewing techniques. The Stages of Change model posits that individuals move through distinct stages: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, and Termination. In the Precontemplation stage, individuals are not yet considering change and may be unaware of or minimize the problems associated with their substance use. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. A key principle of MI is to avoid confrontation and argumentation, as this can increase resistance, especially in the Precontemplation stage. Instead, the counselor should focus on building rapport, expressing empathy, and helping the client explore their own perceptions of the problem. Gently raising awareness of the potential consequences of substance use, without directly challenging the client’s beliefs, is a more effective approach. Directly challenging the client (“You need to stop drinking immediately”) is likely to increase resistance and is counter to the principles of MI. Providing a detailed treatment plan or immediately involving family members is premature at this stage.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48.981 mandates reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. A CSAC’s primary responsibility is to the safety and well-being of the child. When a client discloses information suggesting a child is at risk of harm, the counselor must report it to the appropriate authorities, typically the county’s child protective services. This duty supersedes confidentiality. However, the counselor should still inform the client of their legal obligation to report, respecting the client’s autonomy as much as possible within the legal constraints. The report should be factual and based on the information received, avoiding speculation or personal opinions. Failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect carries legal consequences for the counselor. While exploring alternative coping mechanisms and validating the client’s feelings are essential therapeutic interventions, they cannot take precedence over the legal and ethical obligation to protect a child from harm. Referring the client to family therapy might be a beneficial long-term strategy, but it does not fulfill the immediate legal requirement of reporting suspected abuse or neglect.

In Wisconsin, a CSAC encountering a client, Leticia, who discloses active planning to harm her abusive partner presents a complex ethical and legal dilemma. The “duty to warn and protect,” stemming from the Tarasoff decision and codified in Wisconsin law (though not explicitly named “Tarasoff”), necessitates a careful balancing act. This duty arises when a client poses a serious and imminent threat to a reasonably identifiable victim. The counselor must assess the credibility of Leticia’s threat, the specificity of her plan, and the immediacy of the danger. Wisconsin statutes, particularly those related to mental health and patient rights, guide this process. Breaching confidentiality is a serious act, and the counselor must have reasonable cause to believe that Leticia poses a real danger. Consultation with supervisors, legal counsel, and colleagues is crucial to ensure the decision is ethically sound and legally defensible. The counselor must document all steps taken, including the assessment of the threat, consultations, and actions taken to protect the potential victim. It’s also vital to consider Leticia’s safety and well-being, as reporting could escalate the situation and place her at greater risk. The counselor must explore options that prioritize both the safety of the potential victim and the safety of Leticia, potentially involving law enforcement or other protective services. Failing to act when a genuine threat exists could result in legal liability for the counselor, while acting without sufficient justification could violate Leticia’s confidentiality and damage the therapeutic relationship.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48.981 mandates reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. A CSAC operating within Wisconsin has a duty to report if they have reasonable cause to suspect a child has been or is likely to be abused or neglected. This duty supersedes confidentiality in cases of suspected child maltreatment. “Reasonable cause” is a lower threshold than absolute certainty; it implies possessing information that would lead a prudent person to believe abuse or neglect has occurred or is likely to occur. Failing to report can result in legal repercussions for the counselor. The counselor’s ethical code also dictates prioritizing the safety and well-being of children. Consulting with a supervisor or legal counsel is advisable when uncertainty exists, but this consultation should not delay reporting if reasonable cause exists. The report should be made to the appropriate child protective services agency, and the counselor should document the reasons for their suspicion and the steps taken. The counselor must balance client confidentiality with the legal and ethical obligation to protect vulnerable individuals, especially children. It is crucial to understand the nuances of Wisconsin’s specific laws regarding mandatory reporting and child welfare.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48.981(2)(a) mandates reporting suspected child abuse or neglect when a professional, including a CSAC, has reasonable cause to believe a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect. This duty supersedes confidentiality in most cases, but counselors must understand the specific legal requirements. In this scenario, Maria’s disclosure presents a conflict between confidentiality and mandatory reporting. While Maria is now 19, the alleged abuse occurred when she was a minor. The counselor must determine if Maria’s disclosure provides reasonable cause to believe that her younger sibling, still a minor, is currently at risk due to the father’s behavior. The counselor’s decision should be based on a careful assessment of the credibility and details of Maria’s account, considering any corroborating evidence or indicators of ongoing risk to the sibling. Consultation with a supervisor or legal counsel is advisable to navigate this complex ethical and legal situation. If the counselor determines that there is reasonable cause to believe the younger sibling is at ongoing risk, a report to the appropriate child protective services agency in Wisconsin is legally required, despite Maria’s current age. The counselor should also document the rationale for their decision-making process.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48.981 mandates reporting suspected child abuse or neglect when a professional, including a CSAC, has reasonable cause to believe a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect. This duty supersedes confidentiality, prioritizing the child’s safety. The “reasonable cause” standard is lower than absolute certainty; it requires a good faith belief based on available information. Failure to report can result in legal penalties. The scenario highlights a conflict between client confidentiality and the legal obligation to protect a child. The ethical decision-making process must prioritize the safety and well-being of the child, even if it means breaching client confidentiality. The CSAC must act in accordance with Wisconsin law and ethical guidelines, documenting the reasons for their decision. This situation also highlights the importance of consulting with supervisors or legal counsel when facing complex ethical dilemmas. Understanding the nuances of Wisconsin’s child protection laws and the ethical responsibilities of a CSAC is critical in such situations. Furthermore, the CSAC needs to be aware of the potential impact of reporting on the therapeutic relationship and be prepared to address this with the client.

Wisconsin Administrative Code, specifically DQA 75, outlines the requirements for substance abuse counselor training and continuing education. While specific numbers of hours in particular topics can vary, the regulations emphasize ongoing professional development to maintain competence. This includes staying current with evidence-based practices, ethical guidelines, and legal updates relevant to substance abuse counseling. Failing to meet continuing education requirements can result in disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of licensure. The focus is on ensuring counselors have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective and ethical services to their clients.

Wisconsin Statute § 457.08 outlines requirements for substance abuse counselor licensure, including the need for ongoing continuing education. It emphasizes that CSACs must participate in activities that enhance their professional competence and knowledge in the field of substance abuse treatment. These activities must be relevant to the scope of practice of a CSAC and contribute to the counselor’s ability to provide effective and ethical services. While all listed options may be beneficial for professional development, only those directly related to substance abuse counseling fulfill the specific requirement for continuing education credits as mandated by Wisconsin law. General mental health workshops or business management courses, while valuable, do not typically qualify for CSAC continuing education unless they have a clear and direct connection to substance abuse treatment practices.

In Wisconsin, a CSAC is ethically obligated to act when a client presents a clear and imminent danger to themselves or others. This duty to warn and protect, while respecting client confidentiality to the greatest extent possible, is paramount. The Tarasoff ruling, while originating in California, has influenced legal and ethical standards nationwide, including Wisconsin. The duty to warn typically involves assessing the credibility of the threat, identifying the potential victim(s), and taking reasonable steps to protect them. This might include notifying the intended victim, contacting law enforcement, or initiating commitment proceedings. The counselor must document the assessment, the steps taken, and the rationale behind their actions. Failing to act appropriately could result in legal liability and ethical sanctions. The counselor must balance the client’s right to confidentiality with the overriding responsibility to prevent harm. Wisconsin statutes and ethical guidelines for CSACs provide specific guidance on these matters, emphasizing the need for careful judgment and consultation with supervisors or legal counsel when facing such dilemmas. Acting in accordance with accepted professional standards and legal requirements is essential.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48.981 mandates reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. A CSAC, acting as a mandated reporter, faces a complex situation when a client, during a session, reveals past physical abuse of their own child, which occurred three years prior. The child is now living in a stable environment with the other parent, and there is no indication of ongoing or current risk. The critical element here is balancing the duty to report with the potential harm reporting might cause to the therapeutic relationship and the child’s well-being, considering the historical nature of the abuse and the child’s current safety. The CSAC must prioritize the child’s safety and well-being while adhering to legal and ethical obligations. Consulting with a supervisor or legal counsel is paramount to determine the most appropriate course of action, taking into account the specific details of the situation and the relevant Wisconsin statutes and guidelines. The CSAC must also consider the impact of reporting on the client’s willingness to engage in treatment and the potential for re-traumatization. The decision-making process should be carefully documented, outlining the rationale for the chosen course of action and any consultations undertaken. The key is to act in the best interests of the child, while also respecting the client’s rights and maintaining the integrity of the therapeutic relationship to the extent possible under the law.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48.981 mandates reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. This duty extends to CSACs who, in their professional capacity, observe or receive information suggesting a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect. The statute aims to protect children, and failure to report can result in legal penalties. The “reasonable cause to suspect” threshold is a key element; it doesn’t require certainty, but a level of suspicion based on objective facts. Consultation with supervisors or legal counsel is a prudent step when uncertainty exists, but it does not negate the individual counselor’s responsibility to report if the reasonable cause threshold is met. The counselor’s primary responsibility is to the safety and well-being of the child, overriding concerns about potentially damaging the therapeutic relationship with the parent. While supporting the parent’s recovery is important, it cannot supersede the legal and ethical obligation to report suspected child abuse. The counselor must act swiftly to protect the child, adhering to the guidelines outlined in Wisconsin’s child protective services protocols. Documenting the reasons for suspicion and the steps taken is crucial for legal and ethical accountability.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48.981 mandates reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. This duty falls upon CSACs. However, the specific details of *how* that reporting is executed, particularly when a client expresses intent to harm a child but doesn’t explicitly disclose past abuse, requires careful consideration. While the *duty* to report exists, the *manner* of reporting is crucial. Directly contacting the alleged perpetrator could jeopardize the child and the investigation. Consulting with a supervisor is paramount to ensure adherence to ethical guidelines, legal mandates, and best practices for child safety. Contacting Child Protective Services (CPS) is the ultimate goal, but the timing and method must be carefully considered. Premature or poorly executed action could compromise the child’s safety. Simply documenting the client’s statement without action is insufficient and unethical. The best course of action is to consult with a supervisor, who can guide the CSAC in making the report to CPS in a manner that prioritizes the child’s safety and the integrity of any potential investigation. The supervisor’s experience and knowledge of local procedures are invaluable in such a sensitive situation.

Duty to warn and protect laws vary by state. In Wisconsin, while there isn’t a specific statute explicitly titled “duty to warn,” the ethical principles of the counseling profession and case law related to negligence suggest a responsibility to take reasonable steps to protect identifiable third parties from serious and imminent harm threatened by a client. This requires a careful assessment of the client’s threats, the credibility of those threats, and the identifiability of the potential victim(s). The counselor must balance the duty to protect with the client’s right to confidentiality. If the counselor determines that there is a credible threat to an identifiable victim, they may be required to take actions such as notifying the potential victim, contacting law enforcement, or initiating commitment proceedings. The specific steps taken will depend on the circumstances of the case. Documenting the assessment process and the actions taken is crucial for protecting the counselor from liability.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48.981 mandates reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. A CSAC, acting as a mandated reporter, must report if they have reasonable cause to suspect a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect. The “reasonable cause” threshold is lower than proof beyond a reasonable doubt; it requires a good faith belief based on objective facts that abuse or neglect may have occurred. Failing to report when this threshold is met can result in legal penalties for the CSAC. In this scenario, the client’s disclosure about physically disciplining his child, resulting in visible bruises, constitutes reasonable cause to suspect child abuse. The fact that the client is actively engaged in counseling does not negate the legal obligation to report. The CSAC’s primary duty is to the safety and well-being of the child, superseding client confidentiality in this specific situation. The report should be made to the appropriate Wisconsin child protective services agency, typically the county’s Department of Children and Families. Documenting the client’s disclosure, the rationale for the reporting decision, and the details of the report itself is crucial for legal and ethical protection. The CSAC should also be prepared to discuss the reporting process with the client, explaining the legal requirement and offering support.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48.981 mandates reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. This duty supersedes confidentiality when a counselor has reasonable cause to suspect a child has been or is likely to be abused or neglected. “Reasonable cause to suspect” implies more than a mere hunch but less than absolute certainty; it’s based on objective facts that would lead a reasonable person in similar circumstances to believe abuse or neglect has occurred or is likely to occur. The counselor’s professional judgment, informed by their training and experience, plays a critical role in assessing the situation. The primary goal is to protect the child, even if it means breaching client confidentiality. The ethical imperative to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children, overrides the general principle of confidentiality in such cases. Failing to report when reasonable cause exists constitutes a violation of the law and ethical standards, potentially leading to legal repercussions and disciplinary action from licensing boards. Furthermore, the counselor should document the reasons for their suspicion and the steps taken to report the concern, protecting themselves from liability. Consulting with supervisors or legal counsel is advisable when uncertainty exists.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48.981 mandates reporting suspected child abuse or neglect when a professional, including a CSAC, has reasonable cause to believe a child is at risk. This duty supersedes general confidentiality. Failure to report can result in legal penalties and ethical sanctions. The “reasonable cause” threshold is lower than absolute certainty; it requires a credible suspicion based on professional observation or information received. Consultation with supervisors or legal counsel is advisable when uncertainty exists but the immediate safety of the child is paramount. The counselor’s primary responsibility is to protect the child, even if it means breaking confidentiality. Documenting the reasons for the suspicion and the steps taken is crucial for legal protection and ethical accountability. The potential impact on the therapeutic relationship with the client must be considered, but the child’s safety takes precedence. A good faith report, even if ultimately unfounded, is protected under the law.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48, specifically concerning child welfare, mandates reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect. A CSAC in Wisconsin has a legal obligation to report if they have reasonable cause to suspect a child is abused or neglected, and this duty supersedes confidentiality. The statute does not provide an option to delay reporting pending further investigation if reasonable cause exists. While consultation with a supervisor is ethically sound, it does not negate the immediate legal obligation to report. The CSAC is not required to have absolute proof, only reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect. Failing to report constitutes a violation of Wisconsin law and could result in legal penalties. The ‘reasonable cause’ standard is met when the counselor’s observations and information lead a reasonable person in the same professional role to suspect abuse or neglect has occurred or is occurring. The purpose of mandatory reporting laws is to protect children from harm, and CSACs play a critical role in identifying and reporting potential cases of abuse or neglect. CSACs should be familiar with the specific indicators of child abuse and neglect, as well as the reporting procedures outlined by Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. The law protects reporters from liability, provided the report is made in good faith.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48.981(2)(a) outlines the mandatory reporting requirements for child abuse or neglect. A CSAC is a mandated reporter. The statute necessitates reporting when the professional, in their professional capacity, has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect. The “reasonable cause to suspect” standard is lower than “proof beyond a reasonable doubt” or even “preponderance of the evidence.” It requires a good faith belief, based on objective facts, that abuse or neglect has occurred. The statute protects mandated reporters who make reports in good faith from liability, even if the report is later determined to be unfounded. Failing to report suspected child abuse or neglect carries potential legal consequences, including fines and potential imprisonment. This responsibility overrides standard confidentiality protocols to protect the child’s safety and well-being. The ethical obligation to protect vulnerable populations aligns with the legal mandate. The CSAC should prioritize the child’s safety and report the suspicion to the appropriate authorities, such as Child Protective Services, without delay. The CSAC must also be prepared to document the basis for their suspicion and the steps they took to report it.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48.981 mandates reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. A CSAC in Wisconsin, operating under both ethical guidelines and legal obligations, faces a complex situation when a client, during a session, discloses past physical abuse of their child, which occurred three years prior. The child is currently living in a stable environment and shows no current signs of abuse. The critical element here is the “reasonable cause to suspect” that a child is currently in need of protection or services. While the past abuse is concerning, the absence of current risk factors and the child’s present safety significantly influence the reporting decision. The CSAC must balance the duty to report with the potential harm that an unnecessary investigation could inflict on the family, especially given the time elapsed and the current stability. Consulting with a supervisor and carefully documenting the rationale behind the decision is crucial. The best course of action is to assess the present safety and well-being of the child, and if there’s no indication of ongoing risk, to focus on helping the client address their past behavior through therapy, while remaining vigilant for any future indications of harm. A report is not automatically triggered by a past event, but by a current reasonable suspicion.

In Wisconsin, a CSAC encountering a client, Maria, who discloses active suicidal ideation alongside a detailed plan presents a complex ethical and legal challenge. Wisconsin Statute Chapter 51 outlines the state’s mental health system and provides the legal framework for intervening in situations where an individual poses an imminent risk to themselves. The ‘duty to warn and protect’ doctrine, while not explicitly codified in Wisconsin law in the same way as in some other states, is interpreted through the lens of professional standards of care and legal precedents related to negligence and liability. The counselor’s primary responsibility is to prevent harm. This necessitates an immediate assessment of the credibility and immediacy of the threat. Given Maria’s detailed plan, the counselor must take action, balancing client confidentiality with the need to ensure her safety. The most appropriate course of action involves initiating emergency safety protocols, which typically include contacting local law enforcement or a crisis intervention team. These entities are equipped to conduct a mental health assessment and, if necessary, initiate an emergency detention for evaluation and treatment under Chapter 51. Notifying Maria’s family without her consent is a breach of confidentiality unless there is a clear and present danger that cannot be mitigated otherwise. Solely relying on a safety contract is insufficient in the face of an active suicidal plan. Documenting the incident is crucial but secondary to immediate intervention. The counselor must act decisively to protect Maria while adhering to the ethical guidelines and legal requirements of their profession in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48.981 mandates reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. As a CSAC, Kai is considered a mandated reporter. The ethical imperative to protect vulnerable populations, especially children, overrides client confidentiality in this specific situation. While building rapport is crucial, the immediate safety and well-being of the child take precedence. Consulting with a supervisor or legal counsel is advisable to ensure compliance with the law and ethical guidelines, but the primary responsibility is to report the suspicion to the appropriate authorities (Child Protective Services or law enforcement) without delay. Documenting the reported information accurately and objectively is also crucial. Failure to report could result in legal penalties for Kai and potentially leave the child in a dangerous situation. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families provides resources and guidelines for mandated reporters. It’s important to understand that the information reported should be based on reasonable suspicion, not absolute certainty. The investigation will then determine if abuse or neglect has occurred.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48, specifically addresses child welfare and protection. A CSAC in Wisconsin is a mandated reporter, meaning they are legally obligated to report suspected child abuse or neglect. This duty supersedes confidentiality in situations where a child’s safety is at risk. The “reasonable cause to suspect” standard is a lower threshold than “proof beyond a reasonable doubt.” It means the CSAC has observed or been informed of something that would lead a reasonable person in their position to believe abuse or neglect may be occurring. The report must be made to the appropriate authorities, typically the county’s child protective services. Failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect can result in legal penalties for the CSAC. This requirement balances client confidentiality with the paramount need to protect vulnerable children from harm. The counselor must act in the best interest of the child, even if it means breaking confidentiality. Consultation with a supervisor or legal counsel is advisable when the counselor is unsure about whether the threshold for reporting has been met. The counselor should document the reasons for their decision, whether they report or not. The legal obligation is triggered when there is reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect, not when there is absolute certainty.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48.981 mandates reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect. As a CSAC, Kai’s primary responsibility is the safety and well-being of the child. While client confidentiality is paramount, it is superseded by the legal and ethical obligation to report reasonable suspicions of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities (e.g., Child Protective Services). This duty to report is triggered when the counselor has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect, regardless of where the abuse occurred. Failure to report could result in legal repercussions for Kai. Discussing the situation with a supervisor is advisable for support and guidance, but it does not replace the legal mandate to report. Seeking legal counsel can be a prudent step to ensure full compliance with the law, but the immediate priority is to protect the child. While exploring the family dynamics is important, the immediate reporting of suspected abuse is paramount. The ethical decision-making process should prioritize the child’s safety and welfare, aligning with the Wisconsin CSAC’s ethical guidelines and legal obligations. The counselor should document all observations and actions taken, including the report made to the authorities.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48, specifically sections related to child welfare and protection, mandates reporting when a CSAC suspects child abuse or neglect. This duty to report supersedes general confidentiality rules. The scenario describes a situation where such suspicion is reasonably formed based on the client’s statements regarding his son’s exposure to drug paraphernalia and apparent neglect. Failing to report would constitute a violation of Wisconsin law and ethical guidelines for CSACs. The best course of action is to immediately contact the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families or a local child protective services agency to report the suspected abuse or neglect. Consulting with a supervisor is a good practice, but it should not delay the reporting process. While exploring the client’s feelings and intentions is important therapeutically, it cannot take precedence over the legal and ethical obligation to protect a child. Similarly, focusing solely on the client’s substance use and relapse potential, without addressing the immediate risk to the child, would be a dereliction of duty. The primary concern is the child’s safety and well-being, necessitating immediate reporting to the appropriate authorities in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 48.981 mandates that certain professionals, including substance abuse counselors, are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. This duty supersedes confidentiality agreements. The scenario involves a client, Maria, disclosing past abuse of her child while actively working towards sobriety. The key is the counselor’s legal obligation. While supporting Maria’s recovery and exploring her feelings are important, the mandatory reporting requirement takes precedence. Failing to report constitutes a violation of Wisconsin law, regardless of Maria’s current sobriety or remorse. Consulting with a supervisor is a good practice, but it doesn’t absolve the counselor of the immediate reporting responsibility. Delaying the report to build rapport could endanger the child and expose the counselor to legal repercussions. The counselor must act within the legal framework of Wisconsin, prioritizing the child’s safety. This involves contacting the appropriate child protective services agency as soon as reasonably possible. The ethical considerations are intertwined with the legal mandate, making reporting the primary and immediate action. The law aims to protect children from harm, and counselors are legally obligated to contribute to that protection.