Ethical Considerations in Reporting: When Friends Do Harm to Children

When a friend expresses a disturbing enjoyment in watching children cry and get hurt, it is a critical ethical issue that cannot be ignored. But is it within the power of a therapist to take action, or should you respect your friend’s privacy and freedom?

The question of whether a therapist should report such cases is complex, especially considering the recent instances where healthcare professionals have been shown to deviate from legal and ethical standards. This article explores the ethical dilemmas and legal considerations in such situations.

Recent Trends and Concerns

Therapists in the USA typically do not report individuals based on their thoughts or fantasies alone. If your friend’s enjoyment stems from fantasies rather than actions, it may not fall under the criteria for mandatory reporting. However, modern events have highlighted the inconsistencies in how professionals, including those in healthcare and law enforcement, adhere to both the law and ethical guidelines.

One former colleague described a judge's perspective, which illustrates the very real risk of bias and injustice:

"If you want justice go to a whorehouse. If you want screwed go to court."

This analogy underscores the arbitrary and potentially criminal behavior exhibited by professionals in certain situations, making it difficult to predict outcomes based on established norms.

Legal Obligations and Professional Duties

As reported by the American Psychological Association (APA) and other professional bodies, therapists and other healthcare professionals have a legal obligation to report child abuse. According to the Children's Bureau, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCF), or similar state authorities, depending on the jurisdiction, any responsible adult, including a therapist, has a duty to report cases of suspected child abuse or neglect.

In your friend's case, if she is not harming the children herself but creating dangerous situations and enjoying the outcome, this behavior can be considered a form of emotional abuse. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes that all professionals in positions to assess child safety must report negligence and harmful environments.

Impact and Consequences

The potential consequences of not reporting such behavior are dire. Children are defenseless, and under your friend's care, they are at risk of severe harm. If injuries escalate, the authorities may intervene, and the children could be removed from her custody. These actions could lead to legal repercussions, such as fines, community service, or even loss of guardianship.

Your friend's actions are not only unethical but harmful. Encouraging her to seek therapy is a responsible step. However, if she refuses and poses a risk to the children, it is crucial to file a report to ensure the safety of the children.

Personal Reflection and Ethical Responsibility

The final decision of whether to report your friend involves personal ethics and the potential consequences. You must weigh the risk of the children being harmed against the potential legal and moral consequences of reporting. Living in a world where professionals may not always adhere to the law and ethical standards adds another layer of complexity to this decision.

Ultimately, you must consider what you can live with. There is no easy answer, but making an informed decision and acting with the best interests of the children in mind is paramount.

Conclusion: Ethical reporting in cases of suspected child neglect or emotional abuse is a serious responsibility. Whether or not a therapist should report your friend depends on the specifics of the situation. However, interventions are necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the children involved.

Keywords: child abuse, ethical reporting, therapy and ethics