To make a long story short, we have been told by our 6 yo DD, that the 12 yo DD of my best friend of 30 yrs, has been doing inappropriate things with her when in her room alone. The other girl denies everything. Both girls are sticking to their stories. We are considering taking our DD to a counselor to deal with this issue, as well as to determine the truthfulness. (yes, we believe her, but this is going to destroy two families) So, my Q is that, if a counselor determines her story to be the truth, are they legally obligated to report this to the authorities. We DO NOT want to press any charges as long as my friend gets her DD some help. She is a single Mom, no other family, and its going to be hard enough on her that we are now no longer part of her life). Our DD seems to be handling everything good so far, but we do, maybe, want to also seek outside help. Help on my Q is appreciated, not looking for judgement. T/Y in advance.
2007-04-18 13:50:28 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
First, yes, counselors are required by law to report instances of child abuse. Second, it is not an issue of wanting to press charges. The DA is obligated to file charges for instances of molestation/rape. Third, depending on your state's laws, the 12 yo will not face a lengthy prison sentence, because of her young age. In fact, it may not even be considered a felony.
As the person above said, your first responsibility is to your daughter. You need to do whatever will help your daughter the best.
2007-04-18 14:15:12 · answer #1 · answered by James 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your daughter tells this to a counselor then they are required by law to make a report on it. That being said...you need to do what is best for her. If you believe what she's told you then you need to get her to a counselor asap. And I want to point something out. If a 12 yr old girl is doing this to another child then more than likely it happened to her and she needs help too. Sad situation for everybody. All of you just need to get those 2 into some counseling.
Good luck to all of you!
2007-04-18 21:09:36 · answer #2 · answered by . 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, by law the counselor is a mandated reported and must make a report to the appropriate authority (either child services or law enforcement)
2007-04-18 21:44:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your first and only obligation is to your daughter. What the counselor is required to do is out of your hands.
That really should be enough to answer your question.
2007-04-18 20:57:55 · answer #4 · answered by open4one 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋