Which statement about reporting is true?

Which statement about reporting is true?

• A. Reports should be kept confidential and never shared with other agencies
• B. Reports should be made when maltreatment is suspected
• C. Reports should be made only after an investigation
• D. Reports should be delayed until evidence is obtained

Answer: (B)

When a child may be maltreated, safety comes first, so you report as soon as you have reasonable suspicion. You don’t need to wait for proof or full evidence to make the call. The reporting obligation is about initiating protection and assessment right away. Reports are confidential to protect the child and the reporter, but information is shared with the designated child protective agency and, when needed, other relevant agencies to carry out a proper investigation and ensure the child’s safety. You don’t delay because an investigation hasn’t started yet; reporting should occur promptly so investigators can assess risk and respond. Delaying until evidence is obtained or waiting until an investigation has begun aren’t appropriate because the purpose of reporting is early identification and intervention to keep the child safe, not to prove maltreatment before speaking up.

When a child may be maltreated, safety comes first, so you report as soon as you have reasonable suspicion. You don’t need to wait for proof or full evidence to make the call. The reporting obligation is about initiating protection and assessment right away.

Reports are confidential to protect the child and the reporter, but information is shared with the designated child protective agency and, when needed, other relevant agencies to carry out a proper investigation and ensure the child’s safety. You don’t delay because an investigation hasn’t started yet; reporting should occur promptly so investigators can assess risk and respond.

Delaying until evidence is obtained or waiting until an investigation has begun aren’t appropriate because the purpose of reporting is early identification and intervention to keep the child safe, not to prove maltreatment before speaking up.