What actions are prohibited for mandated reporters before making a report?

• A. They must not investigate, seek to verify the suspicion, or attempt to prove that abuse has occurred.
• B. They must inform the parent or guardian.
• C. They must call the child protective agency.
• D. They must write notes about the incident.

Answer: (A)

The action being tested is that mandated reporters should not try to investigate or verify suspicions before making a report. Your role is to observe and document factual indicators and then report promptly to the designated child protective agency. Engaging in investigation or attempting to prove that abuse occurred can contaminate the information, delay protective action, and potentially put the child at greater risk by alerting anyone involved. The correct approach is to report based on your reasonable suspicion, then allow professionals to assess and verify what happened. After reporting, you can (and should) document your observations as required by policy, and follow any further steps the agency directs. Informing the child’s parent or guardian before making the report is generally not appropriate, as it could impede protection and investigation.