You are a therapist in practice and have just met with a 13-year-old client who informed you “I
am hooking up with my boyfriend”. She further tells you that he is 15 years old and on the
basketball team. What do you do with this information? Is there a mandated report in this
situation?
For starters I would have to have a discussion with the client in what she defines as “hooking
up”. Kids have many different definitions and some children or teens may not have the same
definition as others. For instance, some kids define “hooking up” as nothing more than kissing
while others define it as sexual intercourse. In Texas there is a law that is known as the “Romeo
and Juliet Law” in which under
Texas Penal Code 22.011 minors between the ages of 14 and 17
are able to have sexual intercourse without it being illegal and facing legal charges. However,
considering that the client is only 13 years old she is not of the age to give her consent, and this
would be cause for concern. In these terms it would be considered sexual abuse and/or rape. For
the safety of the client, I would have to report her actions to her parents and make a proper
report.
Reference: Texas Statutes. (2023). PENAL CODE CHAPTER 22. ASSAULTIVE OFFENSES.
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.22.htm
