Mandated reporting is one of the toughest aspects of our work, but it plays a critical role in protecting vulnerable populations.Filing a report with protective services can be complicated as we balance our legal obligations with relational considerations and possible safety concerns but repairing the therapeutic relationship after filing with CPS, when appropriate, is possible when done with empathy and transparency.
How Professionals Feel About Filing CPS Reports
Filing a report with CPS is never an easy decision to make due to the emotional and ethical challenges it presents. There is a duty to report “when there is reasonable cause to believe a child under 18 is suffering from abuse and/or neglect” but this definition can cause confusion and disagreement amongst providers. What one provider considers abuse and neglect, another provider may not agree with, as is often the case when a report is made due to poverty-related concerns.
Because there is a wide range of what might be considered “reasonable cause” it’s important to be mindful of implicit bias and countertransference issues that may influence our professional judgement and cause us to violate a client’s confidentiality. Using a centralized platform like Casebook to document observations, concerns and services in place can aid us in feeling confident that we are making a sound ethical decision.
Strategies to Repair Relationships
Providers often feel guilty or conflicted about filing and worry, with good reason, about negatively impacting the therapeutic relationship, especially if our report is screened out. Partnering with families through transparent communication, when safe to do so, can help repair the relationship and sometimes, even deepen our connection to the client. Strategies to support repair efforts include:
- Encouraging the client to self-report. I’ve worked with a few caregivers who initiated an honest conversation about perpetrating abuse or neglect and were open to help. We went through various options – I could call, they could call, we could call together. In the cases that were supported for abuse or neglect, CPS was much more willing to safety plan and put services in place before considering removing the children because the caregiver was partnering with them.
- Validate the caregiver’s humanity. When discussing the filing after the fact, I’d let caregivers know I didn’t see this as an indictment of their character or the love they have for their children but as a sign they’re in need of more support than they’re getting. I’d also use data collected and documented during previous meetings – “you’ve mentioned feeling this way…,” “you’ve been reporting increasing stress…” to reinforce the need for support.
With Casebook, providers can quickly access past case notes and collaborate with other professionals, ensuring well-informed, transparent discussions with caregivers.
- Communicate clearly, honestly and with empathy. Repairing the relationship would be much easier if we could hold someone else, like a supervisor or other provider, responsible for filing. Being honest that it was you and being honest about what facts prompted you to call will help clients see your being genuine. It also helps them see that you respect them enough to have the difficult conversation with them rather than have them be surprised should a report be screened in.
When Repair Isn’t Possible
There are times when repairing the relationship isn’t possible and that’s okay. Clients may choose to end the relationship, either by asking to be assigned a new provider, terminating services altogether, or cutting off all contact. It never feels good when that happens after filing a report and it’s natural to reflect on what could have been done differently. Using this as an opportunity for reflection can be helpful in processing any guilt and other feelings attached to filing and its impact.
It’s also the time to make sure documentation is accurate and complete, including outreach and repair efforts. Casebook streamlines the process of transferring the client to another provider by making necessary information readily available, ensuring the receiving provider is well aware of any potential safety concerns and other issues related to filing with CPS. It also streamlines the process of creating a discharge summary, allowing you to focus your attention on active clients.
Even when relationships end, social workers can ensure continuity of care. Casebook helps streamline transitions, making sure clients continue receiving the support they need.
