OLERE Mandatory Reporting 3

Question 1

A school counselor in Oklahoma overhears a student telling a friend about ongoing physical abuse at home. The counselor's obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Report immediately to DHS or law enforcement based on reasonable suspicion

Answer

A school counselor who becomes aware of suspected child abuse through any means, including overhearing a conversation, has a mandatory duty to report to DHS or law enforcement. The duty is based on reasonable suspicion, not direct disclosure.

Question 2

Under Oklahoma's mandatory reporting law, how soon must an initial report of suspected child abuse be made after a mandatory reporter forms reasonable suspicion?

Accepted Answer

Immediately or as soon as reasonably possible

Answer

Oklahoma law requires mandatory reporters to make their initial report immediately or as soon as reasonably possible after forming reasonable suspicion. There is no grace period and prompt action is required.

Question 3

A client tells their counselor in confidence that they were abused as a child by a neighbor who now works at an elementary school. The counselor should:

Accepted Answer

Report to DHS or law enforcement because the abuser may have ongoing access to children

Answer

When a known or suspected abuser currently has access to children, the mandatory reporting duty is triggered regardless of whether the victim is now an adult. The focus is on protecting current potential victims.

Question 4

Which Oklahoma law specifically governs mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect by licensed counselors?

Accepted Answer

Oklahoma Child Abuse Reporting and Prevention Act (Title 10A)

Answer

The Oklahoma Child Abuse Reporting and Prevention Act, found in Title 10A of the Oklahoma Statutes, is the primary law governing mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect, including requirements for licensed counselors.

Question 5

A counselor discovers that a colleague failed to report suspected child abuse. The counselor's most appropriate ethical and legal response is to:

Accepted Answer

File the report themselves and address the colleague's failure with a supervisor or licensing board

Answer

When a counselor learns a mandatory report was not made, they can file the report themselves and should report the colleague's failure to appropriate authorities such as a supervisor or the Oklahoma licensing board.

OLERE - Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Exam Practice Test

OLERE - Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Exam Practice Test

OLERE Mandatory Reporting 3