When minors are involved in IPV cases, confidentiality vs reporting obligations require practitioners to

• A. Balance autonomy with safety and follow mandated reporting duties when minors are involved
• B. Always maintain confidentiality regardless of danger
• C. Never report to authorities
• D. Report to authorities only with survivor consent

Answer: (A)

When a minor is involved, confidentiality isn’t absolute and safety takes priority. Practitioners must weigh the child’s autonomy and preferences against the need to protect them from harm, and when there is credible concern of abuse, neglect, or imminent danger, there is a legal obligation to report to child protective services or the appropriate authorities. This duty applies even if the minor or their caregiver does not want information disclosed or does not consent to reporting. You should still talk with the minor about what’s happening and involve them in safety planning and supports while ensuring information shared is limited to what’s necessary for protection and investigation. In short, you balance autonomy with safety and follow mandated reporting duties when minors are involved.