What does 'reasonable suspicion' mean?

• A. It is objectively reasonable to suspect child abuse based on facts.
• B. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
• C. Rumor alone.
• D. No basis needed.

Answer: (A)

Reasonable suspicion means there are specific, observable facts or patterns of behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that abuse or neglect may be occurring. It is objective and based on evidence you can cite, not on a hunch or rumor. It’s not about proof beyond a reasonable doubt—that higher standard is for criminal cases—and it’s not about rumors or gossip, which don’t provide a factual basis. There does need to be some factual basis or credible observations before a report is made. So the best option captures that it is objectively reasonable to suspect based on facts.