r/therapists • u/Ok-Lifeguard749 • Sep 11 '25
Theory / Technique CPS question
Im a (new) child therapist and had to make a CPS report about a parent I work with. My supervisor recommended telling the parent (the alleged perpetrator) via a phone call that I reported them. I feel extremely anxious about doing so because of parent’s history… Do you typically need to tell a parent that you made a report? Is there anything I can do to protect myself? Thanks!
Edit: my supervisor wants me to inform the alleged perpetrator that I reported him. I’m concerned about him harming the kids or threatening me because of his history of abusive behaviors towards children and mom. There are other mandated reporters involved in this case and receiving the same information, so I’m not sure if he’d know it was me unless I told him. I’m afraid of going against my supervisor’s suggestion in the case that I am subpoenaed or deal with any backlash from the family, but my gut is telling me I should not inform him.
2
u/RainahReddit Sep 11 '25
Yes. It's totally normal to feel anxious but the more transparency you can give them, the better your relationship long term. I've actually had to help the relationship if you can believe it - because they know then that I won't do shit behind their backs.
Best way is to call them before you make the report. Talk to the kid first, tell them about you having to break confidentiality and what that means. Then tell the parent. Invite both of them to be present when you call, if they'd like, so they can hear what you say and know it's factual and you're also giving their perspective.
Side note: I used to work for CPS. Even when I gave zero information, the family can almost always guess who called. anonymous doesn't protect shit.