Thank you for answering this enquiry so clearly Francesca.
I attempted to write something a week ago about this and couldn't put it
together & so abandoned it. Your answer has helped me get clear on the
different aspects of this very important question. So thanks again.
hasta la vista
Chris Walsh
Melbourne, Australia
My Website: www.cwalsh.com.au
----- Original Message -----
From: francescamasonboring
To: ConstellationTalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, 6 December 2006 4:35 AM
Subject: [ConstellationTalk] Mandated Reporters
Dear Ellen,
In response to your question: "On this thread I have a question. As
constellations can bring to light things such as child abuse within
a family, how do professionals (social workers, psychologists, and
teachers) who are required by law in the US to report these
incidents deal with this? If this information was shared in a
confidential conversation, I think it would be protected as
privileged information. If it is information in the family's
history, there would be no problem, but if it is in the present how
do facilitators handle it?"
First, I think it is important in the case of the dynamics of
families that one know that representations in a constellation are
not necessarily historical. If a father has attraction toward a
daughter because a mother is not available (in a constellation) this
does not mean that sexual abuse is in fact occurring. The
constellation accurately reflects a systemic pressure. So, we have
to be clear that is the case. Otherwise, every social worker would
be required to report certain indications in constellations. The
constellation represents an energetic dynamic. We cannot be sure
what is represented beyond that.
Second, I don't believe anyone is exempted by the obligations of
their license because the method they are using is constellation
work. If you are a mandated reporter and someone tells you directly
about knowledge of ongoing child or elder abuse, I am not aware of
any reason that your obligations would be suspended because of your
use of a certain method. And, in fact, we know that often when
people confide in a mandated reporter, they are asking for
help/intervention.
Third, I found when working in medical clinics that if there was a
time when I was obligated to report, it was well received by the
parent (s) if I told them openly I was reporting and why. I was
often frustrated by the social workers who deflected their own
discomfort by having children's services protect their identity as
the reporter. It fostered paranoia for the parents who already had
limited resources- as they guessed at every neighbor, relative and
provider who might have "turned them in".
Each state has guidelines for mandated reporters. Living in
Washington State the list of mandated reporters is quite extensive
and even includes any adult living in a home in which they know
there is ongoing abuse of a child (paraphrase).
I appreciate your question. I especially hope that it reinforces
that trainings in constellation and facilitators need to find a time
to explain the difference between the indication of systemic
pressure and definitive personal disclosure about ongoing child or
elder abuse. (I think clergy may be excluded from reporting during
confession, other than that, most states are pretty clear.)
Many Blessings on you and your work, Ellen,
All My Relations,
Francesca
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