Mandatory Reporting Flashcards

Under Oklahoma law, which of the following professionals is NOT listed as a mandatory reporter of child abuse or neglect?

Answer: Attorney representing a third party

Attorneys are generally not mandatory reporters in Oklahoma because of attorney-client privilege protections. Licensed counselors, teachers, and child care workers are all mandatory reporters under Oklahoma statutes.

When a mandatory reporter suspects child abuse in Oklahoma, the report must be made to:

Answer: Oklahoma DHS or law enforcement

In Oklahoma, mandatory reporters must make reports to the Department of Human Services (DHS) or to local law enforcement. Reports can be made by phone and must be followed up in writing if required.

A counselor in Oklahoma suspects that an elderly client is being financially exploited by a family member. Under Oklahoma law, the counselor:

Answer: Must report to Adult Protective Services

Oklahoma's Adult Protective Services laws require mandatory reporters to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. Financial exploitation of an elderly person triggers this duty.

What is the standard of proof required before a counselor must make a mandatory report of suspected child abuse in Oklahoma?

Answer: Reasonable suspicion based on observable indicators

Mandatory reporting is triggered by reasonable suspicion, not certainty. A counselor does not need to confirm abuse occurred before making a report, only that there is reasonable cause to believe it may have occurred.

A client discloses past child abuse that occurred 15 years ago and the alleged abuser is deceased. An Oklahoma counselor's mandatory reporting duty in this situation is:

Answer: Triggered only if other children may currently be at risk

Mandatory reporting is focused on protecting children who may currently be at risk. If the abuse is historical, the victim is now an adult, and the abuser is deceased with no risk to current children, a report is generally not required.

Which of the following best describes immunity protections for mandatory reporters in Oklahoma?

Answer: Reporters acting in good faith are immune from civil and criminal liability

Oklahoma law grants immunity from civil and criminal liability to mandatory reporters who make reports in good faith, even if the report turns out to be unfounded. This encourages reporting without fear of retaliation.